Surprise shutter leads these Dallas restaurant COVID openings and closings

The cycle of Dallas restaurant news is always brisk, but the pace has been accelerated by the coronavirus, which has prompted many reopenings and more than a few closures — including one permanent shutter that comes as a sad surprise.

Here's the latest round:

Start Restaurant, the healthy take on fast food restaurants that owner Erin McKool launched eight years ago, is no more. COVID-19 dealt the final blow.

"Opening Start was a dream of mine that all of you have helped me fulfill," McKool says in a statement. "Unfortunately, the sad news I have to share with you is that Start is unable to reopen. As you know, this has been a very difficult time for the restaurant industry and unfortunately, the impact on our business has been just too much to overcome. This has been a difficult decision for my family and me. What made this so painful is disappointing our loyal customers who love Start, and letting down my dedicated staff who have worked so hard to prepare and serve our healthy offerings."

Meanwhile, she will share recipes and has begun to work on a cookbook.

Tei An, the acclaimed Japanese restaurant at Dallas' One Arts Plaza, will reopen on June 2 with an extensive list of safety procedures that include:

• Temperature detection cameras that can detect body temperature as you enter and exit the restaurant. Spooky. Anyone with a temperature at 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit or above will not be allowed to enter.
• No waiting area. Your table will be ready at the time of your reservation.
• The bar is closed.
• QR codes for contactless a la carte and beverage menus, and the use of copper pens for payment. Copper pens, cool.

Other measures include: disinfecting seating, paper napkins, masks and gloves on employees, new hands-free sink for employees, and face shields for kitchen staff.

Cremona Bistro, the Uptown Dallas Italian restaurant, has reopened its dining room and patio for lunch and dinner. They're also still offering takeout and delivery by third party.

Fish and Fizz, the seafood spot in Richardson from chef Nick Barclay, is reopening May 28. Reservations are required in order to observe capacity. Call 687-0022 or email info@fishandfizz.com. Curbside takeout and delivery are still available.

Fogo de Chão, the Brazilian churrascaria, is reopening its locations in Dallas, Addison, and Plano. To celebrate, they're offering special features such as half priced bottles of South American wines and happy hour cocktails all day, alongside coursed servings of their trademark Brazilian fire-roasted meats, seasonal offerings, desserts, and more. They're open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Make reservations in advance at fogo.com to ensure seating is available.

Grimaldi's Pizzeria locations in Dallas are now open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery with a new seasonal menu launching June 2 that includes Barbeque Chicken Pizza with barbecue sauce, chicken, bacon, red onion, and cilantro; strawberry spinach salad, blueberry cheesecake, and strawberry cheesecake.

Knife Dallas at the Highland Dallas hotel has re-opened to 50 percent capacity. That includes not only the lounge and patio but also the dining room. Hours are 5-10 pm daily, and reservations are required. Call 214-443-9339.

Lawry's The Prime Rib Dallas is reopening with precautions that adhere to CDC guidelines. Reservations are required; call 972-499-5224. You wait in your car, and the hostess texts or calls when your table is ready. Staff wers masks, and tables will be set only after a party is seated. Salads and prime rib carving will remain six feet from the table. There will be single-use menus, pens, and seasoned salt.

Stirr, the American neighborhood restaurant and bar reopened its locations in Dallas' Deep Ellum, Addison, and Fort Worth for dine-in service on May 22. "We are ready for brunches, happy hours and dinners with the crew!" they say.

Uchi, the Japanese restaurant on Maple Avenue, reopened its dining room on May 26 with limited, reservations-only in-restaurant dining that includes new protocols. Hours are 4-9 pm Sunday-Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday-Saturday, 4-10 pm, and and sushi + sake happy hour from 4-6:30 pm. Curbside pickup and delivery service will continue daily with new extended hours, 4-9:30 pm. Guests can place curbside reservations up to two weeks in advance via the website or by phone at 214-855-5454. You select party size and desired day and time of curbside pick-up. Restaurants call 30-45 minutes prior to take order and payment. Day-of reservations for patio seating will be available later in June.

Chipotle Mexican Grill just opened a new Farmers Branch restaurant — not reopened, but brand-new-opened — featuring a "Chipotlane" drive-thru lane where you can pick up digital orders without leaving your car. They also have plans to open a new North Allen Chipotlane later this year. These new restaurants will be open for takeout, mobile pick-up, and delivery only. The new Farmers Branch restaurant is at 2427 Valley View Ln. The Allen restaurant will be 1985 Central Expwy. #140. Hours will be 10:45 am-10 pm daily.