Food Hall News

New vendors at Plano food hall tempt with cakes, fried chicken, and pizza

Hello little cake-lett, come to me now.

Photo courtesy of Legacy Hall

Legacy Hall, the food hall in Plano, has debuted five new eateries designed to expand its diverse offering of cuisines. That includes a new Asian stall from restaurateur Chin Liang; gourmet ice cream and boozy shakes; pizza; and fried chicken.

Here's the lineup:

Yan Pan Asian
This is the third concept for Chef Chin Liang who opened Hōru Sushi Kitchen at Legacy Hall in September 2019 and Chef Chin’s Hibachi & Ramen in February 2020. The menu runs the Asian gamut: from Spicy Thai Curry and Pad Thai from Thailand, to Yakitori Chicken Robata from Japan, to traditional Chinese dishes including Kung Pao Chicken to American Chinese-inspired dishes like Orange Chicken. His General Tao’s Chicken is prepared with a homemade sauce from his dad’s recipe.

"Asian cuisine is in my DNA; it's what I grew up with and what my parents cooked at home," Liang says in a statement. "I’m excited to get back to my roots and get back to cooking with a wok and robata. The wok is the most versatile tool in the kitchen and I think our guests will see that firsthand."

Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream Co.
New concept from Julien Eelsen, founder of Whisk & Eggs, will open in February with traditional and soft serve ice cream; milkshakes; and sundaes. Bourbon vanilla is the name of a specific vanilla from the former Bourbon Islands, but the name also alludes to the fact that some of the menu items will have alcohol.

The menu includes Macarons Ice Cream Sandwiches, Banana Split Sundae, Brownie a la Mode, and various decadent sundae creations such as the Bourbon Vanilla Cup with Bourbon & Vanilla Soft Serve, Pecan Praline Crumble, Bourbon Sauce, Cherry Jam, and Cookie Crumbs; and Candy Mountain with Vanilla Bean Soft Serve, Caramel Sauce, and rotating toppings such as Twix, M&M’s, and Peanut Butter Cup Piece.

Leila Bakery
This is the second location of Kelly Ball's scratch-baked bakery, following the original, which opened in East Dallas in 2020. The menu includes savory favorites such as Sausage, Cheddar & Candied Jalapeño Kolaches; Quiche Lorraine; and Quiche Florentine. Ball also does sweets such as Oatmeal Cream Pies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peanut Butter Cookies, Coconut Macaroons, Shortbread, and Cake Pops. But there is one item unique to the Legacy Hall location: the Cakelett, a custom creation in which guests choose the sponge, frosting, fillings, and toppings.

The Italian Job
Legacy Hall's pasta restaurant has expanded its footprint by taking over the adjacent space and adding New York-style pizza to its menu. It's available by the slice or the whole pie (18 inches), and comes in traditional options like cheese, pepperoni; sausage & peppers, veggie, and white pie. Guests can also create their own pizza with toppings such as jalapeno, red onion, caramelized onion, chili oil, artichoke, fresh basil, ricotta whip, meatballs, and more (available for whole pies only).

Buttercup
The latest concept from Front Burner Society will take an unconventional approach to chicken tenders by focusing on global influences and flavors. According to the release, the tenders will be served in a cup or cone, with toppings or sauces. The goal with this concept was to offer a handheld food option that could be eaten on the go while watching a concert in the Box Garden or roaming Legacy Hall. It'll open in the spring.

trends openings

More State Fair Food

State Fair of Texas adds 13 buzzy new food concessions to 2024 lineup

SFOT

Milton's Amish doughnuts

The State Fair of Texas will introduce a lucky 13 new food concessions for the 2024 event: According to a release, the 13 will include six new food vendors and seven new food stands.

Some of these newcomers are familar brand names like Rita's Italian Ice. Others are concepts from State Fair veterans like Nevins Concessions. Some are just plain newbies.

These new food options are in addition to the finalists and winners from the recent Big Tex Awards, the annual concession competition wherein a strip of bacon wrapped in cotton candy won first prize.

There's also a new seating area for 2024: Called the Cavalcade, it's located on Gateway, with a live DJ, a wall showcasing vintage movies, and a neon Big Tex selfie stand. Dishes include candied pork belly bacon bites, funnel cake with brisket or spicy chicken, bacon-wrapped turkey legs, and a cool down sundae. Also: drones and a biergarten.

The 2024 State Fair of Texas begins on Friday, September 27, and runs through Sunday, October 20.

New concessions

Rita's Italian Ice. The chain will debut a new signature menu item: the Cool Combo, layering Italian ice with vanilla frozen custard, available in five flavors: blue raspberry, cotton candy, mango, mango-strawberry, and sugar-free dragon fruit. Located on Grand Avenue.

Korean Corn Dogs. Korean twist on the state fair staple will include the Hot Cheetos Korean Corn Dog, with half hot dog and half mozzarella cheese, battered with wheat and rice flour, coated with panko breadcrumbs, and fried, then coated with spicy mayo and Hot Cheetos crumbs. Located on Coliseum Drive.

Crepes and Co. Crepe stand will serve a new Fried Apple Cinnamon Crepe, filled with Biscoff cookie butter spread and caramelized apple cinnamon, topped with caramelized apples, and served with Biscoff mousse, whipped cream, and a Biscoff cookie. Located in the Tower Building.

So Eggciting Deviled Eggs. Their signature creation is Texas BBQ Rib Deviled Eggs, in which deviled eggs are topped with coleslaw and barbecue rib meat tossed in a beer barbecue sauce. Located in the Tower Building.

Smith Spot BBQ. Signature dish, "The Nephew," is inspired by owner Terrance Smith’s nephew and combines a glazed doughnut topped with brisket, mozzarella cheese, honey, and powdered sugar. Located in the Tower Building.

The Dumpling Experience. Dumplings in three varieties: pork & vegetable, chicken & vegetable, and edamame, grilled and topped with green onion and cilantro, and choice of sauce from ponzu lime, Thai chili, sriracha, barbecue, and reaper barbecue. Located in the Funway.

State Fair of Texas new vendors for 2024 handy map and list.SFOT

New 2024 State Fair of Texas Food Stands

Smashed by Nevins Concessions. Five smashburgers including their signature, The Joe, a two-patty smash burger with American cheese, bacon, fried jalapeño caps, and a fried egg. Located on Gateway.

Waffle Works. Serving Waffle Stix, a waffle on-a-stick dipped in Belgian milk, white, or dark chocolate, then rolled in choice of candy toppings like salted caramel pearls, chocolate chips, M&M's Minis, marshmallows, and candy sprinkles. They also serve chicken & waffles, strawberries with Belgian chocolate, and bacon mac & cheese egg rolls. Located in the Tower Building.

Milton’s Amish Doughnuts. Texas-sized sourdough doughnuts dipped in vanilla glaze. A viewing window shows the doughnut-making process. Located on Grand Avenue.

Dole Soft Serve. Cool and spicy Tajin Twist Sundae comes with choice of pineapple, strawberry, or swirl, topped with chili lime Tajin seasoning and Chamoy Mega sauce. Located on Coliseum Drive.

Kona Ice. Gourmet shaved ice in 10 most popular flavors, from Tiger’s Blood to Monster Mango, solo or in combinations. Located on First Avenue.

Johnz Deli. Signature pastrami sandwich prepared in the traditional New York Deli method with the flair of a Texas smokehouse, served on seedless rye bread with mustard, kosher pickle spear, and side of steak fries. Located in Cotton Bowl Plaza.

Pat’s Pizza & Subs. Featuring Mexican Street Corn Pizza: a charred crust topped with chipotle mayo, corn, chili powder, cilantro, and cotija cheese. Located on Coliseum Drive.

state-fair openings