Henderson Ave News

Newest bar on Dallas' Henderson Ave: A South Texas-style ice house

The menu will include tacos.

Willie D's

A new ice-house-style restaurant and bar has sprung up on Dallas' Henderson Avenue. Called Willie D's, it's said to pay homage to a classic South Texas icehouse, but with an elevated twist, of course, and will open on Friday, September 9 at 2929 N. Henderson Ave, AKA the former Uno Mas space.

Willie D's is from native South Texans and co-owners Gary Stapleton and chef Brad Miller, who's been cooking in Dallas for more than 15 years.

According to a release, the bar is named for Stapleton's father.

"Willie D's is a tribute to his love for the classic South Texas icehouse," Stapleton says in a statement. "It was where cold beer, good food, country music and dominoes were a nightly occurrence. The icehouse was where everyone came together and talked about their day, local sports and where business deals were solidified over a cold beer. He knew every person who came through the door; it was a spot where you could kick your feet up and relax after a long day. This is the heart and soul of Willie D's."

Miller's menu features burgers, tacos with fresh tortillas, grilled oysters, and loaded cheese fries.

"One thing I learned working in the industry almost my entire life is the ultimate necessity is consistency," Miller says. "So I designed the menu to be just that. It is simple, consistent, approachable with an elevated flair and one where you can find your go-to dishes but also explore new takes on classics."

In addition to burgers, the menu also has a Willie Dog, featuring two Wagyu hot dogs from Ham's Meat Market in McKinney, done Chicago-style with sport peppers, tomato, pickle, relish, and mustard.

Loaded fries options include:

Call Me Sous - cheddar, pepper jack, scallions, caramelized onion, diced jalapeño, over easy egg, elote corn, coleslaw
Pulling My Chain - pulled pork carnitas, red onion, bourbon BBQ sauce, cheddar, slaw, cornichons, and pickles
You Know the Spot - elote corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, lime crema, chili powder, and optional crushed Flaming Hot Cheetos

Tacos include Carnitas, Chicken Tinga, Barbacoa, and The Muchacho with a flour tortilla with refried beans wrapped around a crispy corn tortilla shell, ground beef, shredded lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese and lime crema.

Oyster options range from Rockefeller to Crab Stuffed to Black & Blue to Bacon BBQ.

The beverage program features wine by the glass, beer, and cocktails such as a Spicy Habanero Margarita, Rosemary Bourbon Cocktail, Blood Orange Sangria, and the CBD Mule with Tito’s vodka, mint, and Mad Tasty Martha Stewart CBD drops.

The restaurant is a 4,500-square-foot space with seating for 80 inside and 25 on the patio.

"Patrons will feel the heartbeat of Willie D's plastered across the walls with artwork that tells a story of who Willie D is and maybe even catch a glimpse of the man himself that inspired the restaurant," Stapleton says.

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Coffee News

Italian brand Lavazza Coffee opens training facility in Dallas

Lavazza

Lavazza Coffee

A coffee brand from Italy has planted a stake in Dallas: Lavazza, founded in the northern Italian city of Turin in 1895, has opened a state-of-the-art training center in Dallas, at 1722 Routh St. #960, where it will serve as a hub for coffee enthusiasts throughout the Southwest.

Dallas is the newest outlet in Lavazza's coffee training network, joining locations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, West Chester Pennsylvania, and Toronto — part of their expansion across high-growth markets in the U.S., and its mission to elevate coffee culture globally. (They're also doling out endorsement dollars in commercials featuring Steve Carell and John Krasinski.)

The facility is equipped with espresso, brewing, and coffee innovation equipment, and will serve Lavazza partners, industry professionals, baristas, and distributors. They'll offer hands-on training, SCA certification, menu development, and emerging coffee trends.

Lavazza already partners with many respected hospitality groups and culinary destinations in Dallas including Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Coury Hospitality Group, Al Biernat's Steakhouse, and Vandelay Hospitality.

In October 2025, Lavazza also began serving coffee on flights by Fort Worth-based American Airlines — further strengthening their connection to the North Texas market. The facility will enable Lavazza to provide closer, more consistent support to these partners and help elevate their coffee programs through continued training and collaboration.

Lavazza has been owned by the Lavazza family for four generations. Today they're one of the leading players on the global coffee scene, with a portfolio of top brands that lead their respective markets, such as Lavazza, Carte Noire, Merrild, and Kicking Horse.

In a statement, Lavazza North America president Hossam Ashraf says that "Dallas has an incredible energy and an ever evolving coffee scene," while Lavazza North America Marketing VP Daniele Foti says that Dallas is great, and we must concur.

"As one of the fastest growing hospitality and culinary markets in the country, Dallas represents a tremendous opportunity for Lavazza," Foti says. "Our investment in this new Training Center demonstrates our commitment to the region and to the partners who bring the Lavazza experience to life every day. Dallas is a city of innovation and high standards, and we are excited to deepen our roots here."

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