Brew News

Founders Brewing Co. to bring its award-winning Michigan beers to Texas

Michigan-based Founders Brewing Co. announced March 5 that it is partnering with Ben E. Keith Distributors to bring an arsenal of craft beers to the Texas drinking public. Beginning April 8, Founders will be available throughout the state in draft form at bars and restaurants; in May, it will be available in bottled beer.

A representative at Keith did not have the specifics on what restaurants will serve Founders in Dallas. But major retail carriers such as Spec’s and Central Market will have it in stock this spring.

Ratebeer.com has consistently named Founders as one of the top three breweries in the world.

As for which bars, that’s still up in the air, but Common Table, Meddlesome Moth, Katy Trail Ice House and Ginger Man would be pretty good starts, as well as Jack Mac’s, Goodfriend and White Rock Abbey.

So why is this particular brewery noteworthy? Well, it’s really good at making beer, for starters.

Among Beer Advocate’s Top 250 Beers, Founders has two in the top six. CBS Imperial Stout is rated No. 4 and Kentucky Breakfast Stout is just two spots behind it. Both are rated world-class, and the rest of the brewery isn’t slacking, either.

Since forming in 1997 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Founders has rapidly expanded. It really began hitting its stride in the last few years, when it won a combined six medals in the World Beer Cup and the Great American Beer Festival in 2010.

That year it was also rated the fourth-best brewery in the world by Ratebeer.com and in 2011 it was second only to Three Floyds Brewing Company from Munster, Indiana. The most recent ranking has Founders listed at No. 3 worldwide.

In short, this is good news for Texas beer lovers. Founders will offer all of its beers, from year-round selections such as Scotch Ale and Dirty Bastard to award-winning seasonals and specialties, as they become available.

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Italian News

Authentic Italian café from San Diego to open a location in Plano

Pappalecco

Pappalecco, an Italian-inspired café founded in San Diego is coming to Texas: Pappalecco, which serves coffee, gelato, pastries, paninis, and hospitality, is opening its first Texas location in Plano at 1009 14th St. #600, in the Morada residential building in old downtown Plano.

According to a release, they'll open on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The concept has roots in Italy, in Tirrenia, hometown of Francesco and Lorenzo Bucci, two brothers who opened a shop there before moving to the U.S. and opening the first Pappalecco Café in San Diego's Little Italy in 2007. There is also a second location in San Diego's Kensington neighborhood.

Bringing the concept to Plano are husband-and-wife Chi Yan and Jolly Chen, who became enchanted with the menu and atmosphere after visiting the location in Little Italy. Their goal is to recreate the San Diego's cafe's authenticity and excellence.

In addition to espressos, cappuccinos, and lattes, the menu includes a few signature items such as:

Marocchino, with espresso, Nutella, and frothed milk
Caffè Freddo, a cold brew blended with gelato
Affogato, gelato topped with espresso
croissants stuffed with gelato

There is also quiche; sandwiches on foccaccia such as caprese with tomato and mozzarella; salads such as chicken salad; toasts; and bowls.

“We’re honored to bring Pappalecco to Plano,” said Jolly and Chi. “Our hope is that it becomes a place where people feel genuinely cared for and can experience the best of Italian café culture.”

The café’s modern, minimalist design offers a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels both elevated and timeless. More than a place for coffee, Pappalecco is envisioned as a gathering space where friends, families, and neighbors can slow down, connect, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

coffee openings