Name Change

Original Dodie's on Dallas' Greenville Avenue must change name

Don't be fooled by the name-change.

Photo courtesy of Cajun Sea

The original Dodie's New Orleans Cafe on lower Greenville Avenue now has a new name: Charlie's Creole Kitchen, named for owner-founder Charlie McGuinness. The restaurant will be the same in every other way, remaining in its current location with the same menu, but can no longer use the Dodie's name.

The name change is the result of a lawsuit that was filed in 2015 by the owners of the other Dodie's up the street, Dodie's Reef.

Austin-based Reef Entertainment purchased a second Dodie's location, at 2821 Greenville Ave. from Charlie's son, Christopher McGuinness. Reef Entertainment, owned by Mark Bunting, had the rights to the name. The lawsuit was filed after the relationship between Reef and Christopher McGuinness deteriorated, particularly after McGuinness opened 504 Bar & Grill nearby.

Dodie's manager Laura Kroemer was overseeing the changes at the original Dodie's that included the installation of a new sign.

"We're all beside ourselves," she said at the restaurant. "I hope people keep coming, and that if they drive by, they won't think we're a different restaurant. We've been here 28 years."

Making the name change is not a cheap proposition, beginning with $5,000 to change the old sign.

"You don't realize all the little things, like menus, and we have to paint over part of our mural," she says. "But we're just going to try and make the best of it, put a positive spin on it, and call it a rebranding."

John Robledo, manager at Dodie's Reef, said that their hope is that both restaurants can still prosper on Greenville Avenue.

"I don't know all the details as far as the why, the where, and the how, but we're now the only Dodie's on Greenville Avenue," he says. "A name is a name, but as long as you do what you do and retain the soul of your restaurant, then your regular clientele knows that. Hopefully, we both do what we do well and people can visit both."

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Cool new hang

Rollin Joe's coffee shop to open in old New York Sub space by SMU Dallas

Rendering courtesy of Rollin Joes

Rollin Joe's is going into the old New York Sub space across from SMU.

The iconic former New York Sub space across from Southern Methodist University is being amped up as a cool new off-campus hang: Rollin Joe's, an all-day, music-driven, coffee and beverage shop, will open at 3411 Asbury St., Dallas.

It will debut in late summer or early fall 2026, says a release, in time to serve espresso drinks, matcha, smoothies, and teas to a new crop of undergrads who need caffeine.

Rollin Joe's comes from SMU alumnus (and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' nephew) Jerry W. Mooty, Jr. and hospitality veteran Kirk Thompson, who are transforming the longtime campus-area location into an all-day destination "pairing quality beverages with curated music, comfortable spaces and a community-focused atmosphere," the release says.

The location is notable for generations of SMU students and Park Cities residents who loved New York Sub, which had occupied the space since 1974, before closing earlier this year.

According to the release, Rollin Joe's will encompass 1,373 square feet with seating for 45 to 50. Features will include a covered patio, walk-up ordering, and a "Quick Sip" window for customers on the go.

The menu will focus on beverages, including coffee and espresso drinks, matcha beverages, specialty teas, smoothies, protein drinks, refreshers, energy beverages, grab-and-go sandwiches and snacks.

Notably, it will not sell alcohol. This is not a bar, frat boys.

Rollin Joe's will be an all-day coffee spot.Rendering courtesy of Rollin Joe's

Rollin Joe's will operate from morning through late evening, transitioning from coffee runs and study sessions to afternoon meetups and evening gatherings.

Music will also be a priority. According to the release, house music will be part of the daily soundtrack, with live DJs performing several nights per week and occasional guest DJs to help set the vibe.

For Mooty, the location was a key part of the project.

"The former New York Sub location holds a special place in the hearts of generations of SMU students and Park Cities residents," Mooty said in a statement. "When the opportunity arose to bring new life to the space, we saw a chance to honor that legacy while creating a new gathering place built around great drinks, music, community and meaningful connections."

Mooty is CEO and principal of Christie's International Real Estate @properties Lone Star. He says the idea for Rollin Joe's dates back more than a decade.

To clarify, the namesake "Joe" is not necessarily a person, but a concept, and what he's "rollin'" is, well, left to the imagination. As the release explains, "At the center of the brand is 'Joe' - a laid-back, music-loving personality who embodies the culture and spirit of Rollin Joe's. More than a host, Joe represents the welcoming, upbeat experience the founders hope to create for every guest who walks through the door."

Mooty explains, "The Rollin Joe's concept - and Joe's distinctive look and personality - has been a passion project of mine since I left the legal profession in 2012. I always believed in Joe as the focus of a beverage concept, but I knew bringing him to life would require operational expertise I didn't yet have."

Thompson joined the project after moving to Texas in 2024. His background includes owning and operating Panera Bread franchises in Kentucky and Florida, as well as Jimmy John's locations in Austin.

"When Jerry showed me what he had created, I immediately saw the potential," Thompson says. "The beverage category is evolving rapidly, and there was an opportunity to build something different - something that combines exceptional drinks, hospitality, music, and community."

The space was designed by Alexander Quintanilla of Q-ARC. According to the release, the design draws inspiration from music culture, vinyl listening lounges, and modern cafés, with comfortable seating, greenery, and lighting intended to complement the music-focused atmosphere.

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