Tex-Mex News

New Dallas boss takes the wheel at acclaimed Mexican restaurant Jalisco Norte

Jalisco Norte

An acclaimed Mexican restaurant has changed hands. Jalisco Norte, the authentic eatery known for its bold, authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated cocktails, was acquired by Local Favorite Restaurant Group, the company formerly known as Firebird Restaurant Group.

Local Favorite owns El Fenix, Snuffer's Restaurant & Bar, Village Burger Bar, Meso Maya, Taqueria La Ventana, and TorTaco, for a total of 45 locations. The company also owns Sunrise Mexican Foods, which makes chips, tortillas, flautas and tamales for retail and food service operators.

Jalisco Norte founder Tim McEneny confirmed that he sold the restaurant to Local Favorites founder Mike Karns on March 6.

"When something comes to table, you do it if it makes sense," McEneny says. "I think he likes what it's about, and I hope he will be a good steward."

Jalisco opened in 2017 at Turtle Creek Village with a menu and style that felt fresh and good, and it has maintained a high standard in its two-plus years of operation.

McEneny went to great lengths to secure the employment of high-profile executive chef Jose Meza Arroyave, whose resume includes the famed NOMA in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Pujol in Mexico City.

The menu offers a crowd-pleasing variety of impeccable, sophisticated dishes ranging from osso bucco done "Cochinita pibil style," to vegan grilled cauliflower with hazelnut pipian and toasted almonds. For the quality, prices are extremely affordable, with the most expensive entree being carne asada made with an Allen Brothers rib eye steak for $35. You can also get a great taco for $5.

They've kept it fresh by introducing features such as a rotating monthly menu with specials such as suckling pig tacos and escamoles.

Jalisco Norte has been nominated for numerous CultureMap Tastemaker Awards including Rising Star Chef for Meza in 2018, Best Chef for Meza in 2019, and best bartender for Trevor Landry, who won the award for 2018's best bartender of the year.

A release says that Local Favorite "will continue the restaurant's celebration of Mexico’s people, culture, and customs through fresh, modern cuisine and craft cocktails," and that Jalisco Norte "embodies the characteristics and values that are recognizable among Local Favorite Restaurants, making it a natural fit for their family of brands."

OK, they just better not touch the cauliflower.

In November, McEneny opened Sloane's Corner, an all-day American bistro located in the inside the newly redeveloped Trammel Crow Center downtown Dallas high-rise at 2001 Ross Ave. It's already been nominated for a 2020 Tastemaker award for Best New Restaurant.

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Ramen News

Dallas' acclaimed Ten Ramen to open in Cru Wine spot in West Village

Ten Ramen

A highly acclaimed ramen spot is coming to Dallas' West Village: Ten Ramen, one of Dallas' most celebrated ramen spots, will open a location in the former Cru Food & Wine Bar space at 3699 McKinney Ave. #107.

According to a release, Ten Ramen will open in spring 2026.

In related news, the concept was acquired by Vandelay Companies (Hudson House, Jack & Harry's, East Hamption Sandwich Co., El Molino), led by CEO Hunter Pond, who counts himself a big Ten Ramen fan.

“I’ve been a longtime fan of who is arguably one of Texas’ most respected chefs — founder and creator Teiichi Sakurai — and what Ten Ramen embodies,” says Pond.

Vandelay also owns Tei An, the award-winning authentic Japanese restaurant and Ten Ramen sibling which Sakurai opened at One Arts Plaza in 2008.

Ten Ramen debuted in March 2015 at the Sylvan | Thirty mixed-use project in West Dallas — a pioneering concept at the time, and one that quickly earned a devoted following with its tiny 10-seat setup and uncompromisingly authentic flavors.

Back then, it was a ground-breaking concept for Dallas and is still one of the most beloved ramen spots in the city. Diners flocked to wait in long lines for its menu of Mazemen, Shoyu, Tonkotsu, and Lobster Ramen — recipes that will remain intact, Pond says.

“We haven’t touched the recipes, they’re perfect just as they are,” he says. “After many months under our ownership already, it remains clear that the magic is in the food, the service, and the experience. Our goal with this new location is simple: bring what we feel is the best ramen in Dallas to more people, in a space that feels both fresh and familiar.”

Ooooooh, so Vandelay has owned it for many months. Well well well.

“When the opportunity came to bring this incredible concept into our family of restaurants, I jumped at it," Pond says.

He's the one shepherding it into the West Village — a location he says will give more diners the chance to experience the concept.

The location has an impressive track record: Cru Wine Bar closed in August 2025 after an unparalleled 23 years at that address.

The new 1,480-square-foot space will be a fresh take on the Ten Ramen experience, with a full-service bar that seats 7, and an intimate dining room seating 28 — versus the impromptu stand-up situation at Sylvan Thirty.

Their goal is to make a space that feels approachable and lively while staying true to the dishes that made Ten Ramen a local favorite.

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