Hummus News

Mediterranean chain Roti files bankruptcy, final Dallas location closed

Roti bowl

Photo courtesy of Roti

A fast-casual Mediterranean chain that once had three locations in Dallas has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection: Roti, the Chicago-based chain formerly known as Roti Modern Mediterranean, declared bankruptcy on August 23, stating that it was their best route to stay afloat.

“Our vision to create happier, healthier, and more flavorful lives comes to life by providing our guests with exceptional food experiences—even in the face of current headwinds,” said Roti CEO Justin Seamonds in a statement. “After careful consideration, filing for bankruptcy protection was the best way to address our challenges—including financial performance, rising costs, mixed location performance, and tough market conditions—while staying open and focused on delivering Food For A Full Life to each and every guest.”

Roti was founded in 2006, helping to introduce Mediterranean cuisine to the fast-casual dining scene. It started out as a rotisserie concept before expanding its menu to include Middle-Eastern favorites such as hummus and falafel.

The company made its Dallas debut in 2017, opening a location at the McKinney & Olive building with a menu that included bowls, sandwiches, rice plates, and salads. They offered a customizable build-your-own Chipotle-style menu where you choose a sandwich, salad, or rice plate, and and then toppings, sides, and sauces.

They were not to be confused with Roti Grill, a Dallas Indian restaurant mini-chain which has three locations in the Dallas area including Knox and Victory Park.

Roti opened a second location in Preston Center in 2018, and another at the 2000 Ross building in 2019. But the chain was battered by the pandemic, and the two downtown locations both closed in 2020. Preston Center also closed, but then re-opened in 2021, and was the last surviving location. It closed in spring 2024.

Roti’s follows a trend of recent bankruptcy filings that include Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo.

According to their statement, the company plans to use the bankruptcy filing to seek investors or buyers while reorganizing its finances. They still have locations in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Washington, D.C.

Solid Gold

Dallas' iconic gold buildings gleam following $50 million renovation

The Gild, Campbell Center, gold buildings

SquareFoot Photography

The Gild, formerly known as the Campbell Center, shiny gold.

A pair of eye-catching gold buildings off US-75 in Dallas are shiny as new following a $50 million renovation.

The buildings, located at the intersection of 75 and Northwest Highway, on the southeast corner, were previously known as Campbell Center, but are now appropriately called The Gild. Because gold.

Located at 8150-8350 N. Central Expwy., the 20-story towers were designed by Neuhaus & Taylor and originally built in 1978, with ensuing renovations in 1999 and 2009. The gold exterior comes from a microscopic coating of real gold within the glass panels. We take mirrored glass buildings for granted now, but having two cool gold-clad buildings was pretty cool in 1978 and is still cool now.

The property was acquired by California-based Fenway Capital Advisors in 2021, who set out to transform them into The Gild, a premier Class A property featuring two 20-story towers, plus two two-story concourse buildings known as The Lofts at the Gild.

Dallas architecture and design firm Gensler spearheaded the renovation, elevating the tenant and visitor experience with new amenities and contemporary design.

The transformation starts with enhanced entrances to both the North and South towers, which open to upgraded lobbies boasting hospitality lounges, coffee bars, and "grab & go" options, complemented by the newly opened White Rhino coffee shop and Hightower Café.

Cafe at The Gild, formerly Campbell Center.SquareFoot Photography

Modern amenities include a state-of-the-art conference center, fitness center, and an on-demand car transportation service. In addition, an in-house concierge in each tower provides services to tenants and their employees.

The Lofts offer redesigned interiors featuring social corridors and tenant lounges with active and quiet zones. These areas included a media room, shuffleboard, ping-pong, workspace, conference rooms, and arcade games.

The building also now has more than 100,000 square feet of modern spec suites ranging in size from 2,000 to 16,000 square feet. Ready for you to rent!

"The transformation of The Gild reflects our vision of creating a campus feel that is greatly desired by today’s modern tenants and their office needs,” says Fenway Capital Advisors managing partner patrick Tribolet. "We wanted to create an environment that allows our tenants to be able to recruit and retain the best talent in the market and help to reestablish the NCX as one of the top submarkets in Dallas.”

The building is managed by Stream Realty Partners, with leasing efforts spearheaded by Stream Managing Director Matt Wieser, VP Marissa Parkin, and Senior Associate Patrick Cruz.

"The comprehensive renovation of The Gild underscores Fenway’s commitment to providing top-tier amenities and innovative spaces that enhance the tenant experience," said Wieser. "These upgrades not only modernize the property but also create a vibrant, community-oriented environment where businesses can thrive."

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