Supermarket News

Central Market at Preston Royal Dallas will reopen by 4th of July

They're restored the architecture of the original ceiling.

Photo courtesy of Central Market

The Preston-Royal Central Market, closed since October 2019, has set a date for reopening, and it promises to be draped in red, white, and blue.

The store, located at 10720 Preston Rd. will reopen on June 30 — just in time for July 4th weekend, says company spokesperson Mabrie Jackson.

"We thought it would be festive to kick off the 4th of July holiday," Jackson says. "We miss our neighbors and are so excited to come back."

The store suffered significant damage from the tornados and storms that swept across North Dallas on Sunday October 20, 2019, and has been undergoing complete rebuilding and restoration.

The supermarket was just one business along the tornado's 15-mile stretch that also included 10 Dallas ISD schools — three of which experienced significant damage and were not able to reopen at their original campuses.

Central Market took the opportunity during the renovation to make some updates including an expansion of their produce section as well as the addition of curbside service.

"We could have pushed to reopen by Christmas, but with the additions, we thought it would be better to finish rather than having the construction going on," Jackson says.

The store still has the same footprint when you enter but they've opened the space and improved the layout.

"Compared to our other stores, that produce section always felt a little congested," she says.

Other improvements include

expanded seafood and floral
additional grocery selection
larger sandwich bar
improved coffee bar experience
expanded customer seating area in the upstairs mezzanine, with outdoor seating, as well

Curbside is their biggest venture. They took over an adjacent space occupied by a fur shop, no longer in the center, and have a set of parking spaces in front designated strictly for curbside pickups.

"I think curbside service will continue to be important for us, and for all retailers, even when we've hopefully put the pandemic behind us," Jackson says.

Beyond all the new functional features, Jackson says they're excited about something that's more aesthetic.

"The best part is the restoration of the beautiful ceiling that was original to the design," she says. "There was some sheet rock from when Borders was there, and we took that all down and added some wooden planks and restored the beautiful wooden beams. We're excited for people to see the beautiful architecture."

"If the tornado had gone north by 25 feet, it would have leveled he building," she says. "We feel so fortunate we didn't have to scrape the store and start over."

openings supermarkets

A Toast

Dallas distiller launches zero-proof liquor line and hosting accessories

Photo courtesy of Teaspoon

It's the brand's first line of non-alcoholic beverages.

The zero-proof liquor movement keeps gaining momentum, and the latest to take a seat at the bar is Teaspoon, from the Dallas-based Dynasty Spirits.

The brand's first line of non-alcoholic whiskey, tequila, gin, and "Italian Spritz" (comparable to the main ingredient in a certain bright-orange cocktail) are already available for shipping nationwide, and the company promises they will be carried by more than 400 Texas retailers by year's end. Each 700ml bottle is priced at $32.99.

“Teaspoon was born from a simple belief: that the drink in your hand should match the moment you’re in,” says founder Devin Odell. “Teaspoon isn’t just zero-proof spirit alternatives, it’s a statement. It offers a fresh option for those who expect more from what’s in their glass: more flavor, more intention, more celebration.”

For the mocktail connoisseurs out there, here's a quick overview of each bottle's tasting notes:

The zero-proof whiskey has cherry, vanilla, caramel, and citrus zest on the nose. The palate opens with a bourbon-style sweetness and finishes dry and peppery.
The zero-proof tequila has the aroma of cracked black pepper with hints of pineapple and guava, and tastes of fresh bell pepper up front. Citrus mid-notes add brightness and it's rounded off with a lightly sweet oak finish.
The zero-proof gin's nose brings lemon zest and elderflower, and its taste is dry and herbal like a true London Dry gin.
The zero-proof Italian Spritz balances sweet red licorice and bitter orange peel on the nose. The palate starts with orange-candy brightness and progresses to juicy grapefruit before finishing with a lingering herbal bitterness.

The name Teaspoon is reflective of the culinary measuring tool's history, and how the gilt silver spoons were once prized by England's upper crust due to the initial rarity of tea imported from Asia.

The Texas-born Odell founded Dynasty Spirits in 2010, and the brand's portfolio currently includes Pezuña Blanca tequila, Townes vodka, Green House vodka and gin, Lasso Motel whiskey, and Painted Donkey tequila.

Launching in tandem with Teaspoon’s non-alcoholic beverages is a collection of custom retail products in collaboration with Marcello Andres, Shelton Metal, Tom Adam, Match 1995, A Bientot, WP Standard, and more. Currently, that includes linen cocktail napkins, glassware, and a set of artful pewter teaspoons, each representing a different zero-proof liquor.

Dallasites can taste and shop at Teaspoon's launch event: November 6 at at the Shop Swoon boutique inside the Joule Hotel. Bottles will be available for purchase there through November 9.

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