It's May, a time of the year when CultureMap's twice-monthly restaurant news roundup gets a little sleepy, and this May is no exception. This roundup might have fewer items than usual, but they are still must-reads: openings, closings, and even a few delingquent spring menus just being introduced.
Here's what's happening right now in Dallas restaurant news:
H-E-B the supermarket chain has opened a location in Melissa at 1230 Central Expy., at the northeast corner of US-75 and Sam Rayburn Hwy 121. The store broke ground in December 2023, and at 136,000 square feet, it's a biggie, even by H-E-B's gargantuan standards. In addition to the staples that all H-E-B stores have — bakery making breads, cakes, and tortillas, big produce section, SushiYa sushi counter — Melissa has a few distinctive features including a two-level True Texas BBQ restaurant with drive-thru; a full-service H-E-B Pharmacy with drive-thru; and a fuel station with car wash. H-E-B Melissa joins seven other H-E-B stores and two Joe V’s Smart Shop locations that have opened in DFW.
Piada Italian, an Italian street food chain, is now open at 9605 Coit Rd., #101 in Plano. This is the restaurant's second Plano location. They serve baked piada pockets, wraps, pasta bowls, and chopped salads. There are other Dallas locations in Lakewood, Frisco, McKinney, and Richardson.
Banh Shop, the small Asian restaurant chain dedicated to the banh mi sandwich, has closed its "streetside" locations which include a location in Fort Worth at 3051 S. University Dr., and a location in Irving at 7601 N. MacArthur Blvd. #105. According to a spokesperson, there are five locations open, all in airports, with more airports to come.
Keto Kitchen Creations, a meal prep store, is closing its Plano location on May 24. The shop was open for four years serving family-sized keto-friendly meals like stacked enchiladas, keto nuggets, cinnamon rolls, and lasagna, plus personal meal requests. Meals also catered to diets like gluten-free lifestyles. They'll continue accepting bulk meal prep orders, such as green beans or protein mac & cheese, until the last day of service.
Panda Express, the quick-serve Asian chain, has brought back eggplant tofu at some DFW locations. The dish — featuring eggplant, tofu, and red bell peppers in a sweet and tangy brown sauce — has developed a cult following over the years, inspiring lots of copycat recipes as well as websites dedicated to finding every Panda Express location that offers it. It used to be a regular item, and was recently revived. There are 18 Panda Express locations in DFW, not all have it. Panda Express has dabbled previously in plant-based offerings, including its revered Orange Chicken, which it has more than once offered, with Beyond plant-based chicken.
Crown Block, the restaurant atop the Reunion Tower, has a new spring menu that aincludes Oysters Rockefeller, scallop gratin, Westholme Wagyu striploin, gnocchi pasta, Lumina Australian lamb rack, and spring rolls. Desserts include Baked Texas and Lizbeth’s basque cheesecake.
Dive Coastal has a new spring menu with BBQ chicken salad, brisket Cuban sandwich, gazpacho, Egyptian spinach soup, tri-colored cauliflower, blackened pineapple shrimp skewers, jumbo crab cakes, Alaskan wild halibut, and wild mahi mahi. available throughout May.
The Henry has new seasonal menu items including strawberry and watermelon salad, pressed yellowtail sushi, and wild caught bay scallops. These items are $20-$38.
White Rhino has a nw menu for summer with strawberry pistachio matcha, the Strawberry Pistachio Latte, and the Pineapple Yuzu Matcha. They've also added a new line of energy drinks including The Avalanche, with almond, white chocolate, and vanilla; Matcha My Energy, with starfruit yellow flavor and a matcha float; and The O.J., a mix of orange juice, strawberry, and passionfruit. Summer drinks start at $6; Chargers energy drinks start at $5.50.
Lazy Dog has a new frozen cocktail: the prickly pear sloshie. It's inspired by founder Chris Simms’ adventures in Wyoming, and blends Pantalones Organic Reposado Tequila, prickly pear purée, agave nectar sweet and sour, triple sec, and a salt rim. It's $15. Available for a limited time.
Original Chop Shop is launching a new tikka masala chicken bowl with jasmine rice, grilled chicken, roasted veggies, creamy tikka masala sauce, green chutney, smoked almonds, and black currants. Available starting May 20.
Wingstop has a new flavor on the menu: Mexican street spice. The Mexican street corn-inspired flavor is a dry rub featuring chili, paprika, chipotle, roasted garlic, a kick of lime, and parmesan cheese. The flavor can also be added to fried corn and fries.
Golden Corral has three new sauces for chicken tenders during dinner including garlic buffalo, mango habanero, and honey mustard. Available at all Dallas locations through June 29.
Golden Chick has a new sandwich on the menu: Pimento Crunchwich. The sandwich has pimento cheese spread, jalapeño crisps, and XL pickles. A sandwich is $6, a combo with a side and 30-ounce drink is $9. Available through August 3.
Shiner Bock has new summer releases: the Shiner Shandy Lemonade variety pack and Ruby Sunburst. The variety pack flavors include raspberry lemonade, mango lemonade, and lemonade, with 24 cans for $18. Ruby Sunburst is tangerine flavored and comes in a six-pack for $11.
Texas Barbecue is a Facebook group founded by Desert Storm veteran and Rockdale native Derik Strelsky. He channeled his PTSD into a positive force to connect with others on BBQ trips and share reviews. The group spotlights barbecue joints, family recipes, and the talents of pitmasters across the state.
