Hot Hot Pizza News

Neapolitan pizza craze hits Richardson with Spin chain invasion

UPDATE: Spin sent out a release confirming three locations coming to the Dallas area. The first will open in Southlake Town Square, in the space formerly occupied by Blue Mesa. Richardson will open second. The third is in Las Colinas, at 1030 W. John W. Carpenter Fwy., scheduled to open in 2015.

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Another day, another pizza concept: Kansas City-based Neapolitan pizza chain Spin! will enter the Texas market with a branch in Richardson. The pizzeria takes over a space previously occupied by Sushiko Sushi, and it is slated to open in 2015, although spokesperson Lauren Fasbinder said she couldn't confirm a date.

Boasting an overly enthusiastic exclamation point in its name (which we will now drop), Spin was founded in 2005 by husband and wife Richard and Gail Lozoff with partner Edwin Brownell. There are five locations in the Kansas City area; the first franchised location opened in Southern California in 2013.

The chain falls into a rapidly growing category that includes 800 Degrees, Pizza Snob, Pie Five, Blaze Fast Fire'd, Top That, Uncle Maddio's, Live Basil Pizza, Pizza Studio and Project Pie. Many have announced plans to open in Dallas, including Project Pie, which is soon opening two branches in Dallas, and Blaze, which hasn't yet announced locations.

Spin serves Neapolitan pizza, salads, sandwiches and sides that are described as appealing to a "more healthful and eclectic American palate." The menu exhibits a broader scope than a straight-up Neapolitan-type pizzeria, with starters such as white bean hummus; soups, including white bean minestrone; and grilled panini such as spicy Italian beef. It passes the "arugula" test with an arugula salad combined with crimini mushrooms.

Pizza crust options include traditional thin and bubbly, rustic whole wheat, and gluten-free. Toppings include mushrooms, caramelized onions, artichokes, capers, pecans, pineapples, pine nuts and pancetta. That is a lot of P's. Sauces include crushed roma tomato and a "white pizza" glaze with olive oil and roasted garlic.

The chain employs a Chipotle-esque "hybrid" service model, combining a fast-casual ordering system and full service at the table.

That location, which was previously Stone Horse Bistro, has seen a number of restaurants come and go. Richardson has no Neapolitan-style pizza as of yet, but there is a Russo's Coal-Fired Pizza east on Campbell Road at US 75.

The Lozoffs previously founded a bagel chain, which they sold to Einstein Bagels.

Spin's crust options include whole wheat and gluten-free.

Photo courtesy of Spin

Spin's crust options include whole wheat and gluten-free.

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Quonset Hut News

Familiar names take over Quonset hut for new Far-Out Dallas bar

Yelp

Wriggly Tin is now Far-Out Dallas

There's a new Dallas restaurant and bar coming to everyone's favorite Quonset hut: Called Far-Out, it'll take over the space at 1906 E. Haskell Ave. in East Dallas that was previously home to Wriggly Tin, with a grand opening slated for 2025.

Founders Caroline and James Lee are calling it Far-Out & La Hermana Cerveceria and promise that a culinary adventure awaits.

"After months of creative brainstorming and a bit of furniture rearranging, we are thrilled to announce an exciting new pioneering concept that will open its doors in 2025," the duo says. "Introducing Far-Out & La Hermana Cerveceria, a dynamic new restaurant and brewery born from the collaboration of industry veterans."

The team includes some beloved East Dallas names:

Marc Cassel of The Green Room and 20 Feet Seafood Joint
Christopher Jeffers of Bolsa and Smoke
Stephanie Houston, the trailblazing first Latina Production distillery owner in America

Also joining the team is Bar Director Adam Mercado, whose resume includes stints at Billy Can Can and Brass Ram.

Marcado will crafting a unique beverage program, with support from mixologist Brian McCullough. Together, they will create what the founders call "unforgettable drink experiences to complement our delicious culinary offerings."

Wriggly Tin opened in November 2023 as an ultra-hip pizza and craft beer spot inside a renovated Quonset hut near Dallas' Fair Park — a former Cajun fried turkey place which they gave doting makeover with custom plaster walls and art objects from around the world. They replaced one whole side of the hut with glass for sunsets and created a spacious outdoor patio in front.

They earned two nomination in CultureMap's 2024 Tastemaker Awards, one for Best Bar and another for Best Patio.

Alas, the original founders, who'd previously owned Small Brewpub in Oak Cliff, parted ways shortly after it opened. And the bar closed down in September 2024, for what they called "internal changes."

Now the hut is back: The new Far-Out bar is already up and running a few days a week. In the coming days, they will offer updates and sneak peeks as they gear up for the opening of their kitchen.

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