Downtown Dining News

Discovery District in downtown Dallas is on tap for restaurant beer garden

Executive chef is David Gilbert.

Photo by Kevin Marple

UPDATE 2-27-2020: Jaxon will open on March 2.

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Downtown Dallas is on tap to get a new restaurant and beer garden, just in time for spring.

Called Jaxon Texas Kitchen & Beer Garden, it's a new concept featuring modern Texas fare and 34 beers on tap, and will open in the developing AT&T Discovery District at 311 S. Akard St. in March, according to a release.

Executive chef is David Gilbert. The menu touches on classic Texas fare inspired by surrounding geographic neighbors, including Mexico, Louisiana, and New Mexico. Sample menu items will include:

Tamarindo Pork Ribs– fried shallot, cilantro
Green Chili-Brisket Mac & Cheese Balls
Smoked Chicken “Pot Pie” Pozole– hominy, salsa Verde, flaky pie crust
Whole Fried Snapper– Tamarindo sauce
Jaxon Burger– Texas Wagyu, smoked mortadella, cheddar, candied jalapeno, served with fries
Impossible Burger– vegan-friendly alternative
B.L.T. Torta– smoked mortadella, bibb, slaw, sundried tomato mayo on Torta bread
Cast Iron Chocolate Chip Cookie– vanilla ice cream
Truck Stop Banana Pudding– vanilla wafers and toasted coconut

Additionally, a section devoted to Texas BBQ will play an important role on the menu.

Gilbert began his career working at the Michelin-starred restaurant, Vermeer in Amsterdam. He also served as executive chef of The Beverly Hilton's landmark restaurant, where he was the lead chef for the International Golden Globe Awards.

He came to Texas in 2011 to head the kitchen at Stephan Pyles' Sustenio at Elian Hotel Resort & Spa in San Antonio, earning him a 2013 nomination by the James Beard Foundation for Best Chef Southwest.

The beverage program will be led by Alex Fletcher, beverage director of Hospitality Alliance (and a CultureMap Tastemakers nominee), with Texas beers and cocktails influenced by Texas and the South, including cocktails on tap, craft cocktails, and frozen cocktails. Jaxon will also serve wines on tap.

Design elements include a mixed media collage of movie stars and Texas celebs; antlers at the beer taps; cactus terrariums; and artwork created from locally sourced vintage bricks.

The restaurant will feature 4,400 square feet of interior dining space with seating for 165 guests, and a 10,000 square-foot patio with seating for over 300 that boasts views of AT&T Discovery District's 104-foot-tall, 6K-resolution media wall, which will show movies, sports, and digital art.

Hospitality Alliance – a nationally-acclaimed hospitality management, development and consulting firm headquartered in Dallas – is working with AT&T on this project, as well as an anticipated food hall.

"Our goal at Jaxon is to combine the best elements of a traditional Texas beer garden with exceptional food, service, and above all, hospitality," says Hospitality Alliance CEO Kevin Lillis. "The Discovery District is a dynamic project representing a real evolution and transformation for downtown Dallas.We're thrilled to be working with AT&T and look forward to providing our guests with an extraordinary experience this spring."

Hospitality Alliance is a national hospitality management, development & consulting firm providing comprehensive services for hotels, restaurants, bars and developers.

downtown

Fro Yo News

Healthy dual restaurant serving smoothies and froyo to open in Prosper

Red Mango

Smoothies and frozen yogurt are coming to Prosper with two restaurants in one: Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and co-branded Red Mango will open at 1470 W. Frontier Pkwy. #102, on May 17.

On the Smoothie Kitchen side, they'll serve smoothies, juices, fruit power bowls, toasts, and grilled sandwich folds.

On the Red Mango side, they'll serve frozen yogurt with a self-serve model featuring four flavors, two additional swirl combinations, and 13 toppings.

Smoothie Factory was founded in the 1980s; Red Mango was founded in Dallas in 2007 had has 60 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The concepts are siblings — both part of the franchise portfolio of Dallas-based franchising company Brix Holdings, LLC.

Bringing the concept to Prosper are franchisees Lanford and Chianna Rodgers. Lanford is a former Illinois state trooper and independent insurance business owner, and Chiana is a financial advisor.

Together, they’re looking to offer a healthy and welcoming experience to a growing city.

“My professional career has changed over the years, but the one thing that unifies my experience is my purpose to help, support and build a community with new people,” says Chianna. “As I begin my journey as a small business owner and we open our doors to the Prosper community, I’m dedicated to leading a team that feels supported and is passionate about serving high-quality products and creating an unforgettable customer experience.”

Customers who show up on opening day can expect promotions, giveaways, prizes, and activities.

”The opening of the new Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and Red Mango location is one of many of our continuous efforts to provide better-for-you options to our guests by increasing access to healthy and delicious options in our communities,” says BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas in a statement. “Lanford is a passionate and dedicated owner with a team ready to make a positive impact and change the lives of their guests with fresh food, quality service, and a seamless customer experience. I’m confident that this location will be a Prosper neighborhood staple.”

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