Craft Beer News

Rockwall gets sudsed in craft beer thanks to new Brass Tap gastropub

Taps for miles.

Courtesy photo

The scenic city of Rockwall gets a new place for craft beer via The Brass Tap, a Tampa-based beerpub chain opening a location at 2075 Summer Lee Dr. on September 21.

The opening comes from cousins Ridham Bhatt and Kirat Shahiwala, and their friend Ravi Patel. They have big plans to open up to five locations in Plano, Sachse, Sherman, and The Colony, but let's see how this one goes first, shall we.

The Rockwall location is at The Harbor, a mixed-use center that's also home to a Cinemark Theater and a variety of restaurants including Gloria's, Campisi's, and Dodie's Cajun.

Brass Tap was founded more than a decade ago, and currently has about 30 locations, mostly in the southeast but with some forays as far as California. Every new location has a hands-on local owner and provides a unique space for social gatherings and entertainment, with an unparalleled atmosphere created through live music, trivia, sports, exclusive beer tastings, and tap takeovers.

The trio opening Rockwall come from diverse backgrounds in IT, business ownership, pharmaceuticals and healthcare. They say they're in it for the investment, but Bhatt is a craft beer fan who was a regular at The Brass Tap in Allen.

They love the food, rotating selection of craft beers, relaxed environment, and potential to recreate the same neighborhood-bar experience they enjoyed in their college days.

Shahiwala also runs the Cold Stone Creamery at The Harbor with his wife Helat.

The restaurant has nearly 60 taps for craft beer, plus cocktails and a menu of elevated pub grub, such as decadent burgers, and tempura-battered fish or chicken that uses local beer in the batter.

Shareable items include Korean BBQ pulled pork nachos and crispy shrimp in a sweet and spicy sauce.

There are already four locations in DFW, plus locations in Austin and Houston, which opened in 2018.

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Craft Beer News

Dallas Stars owner to open beer-centric Craft restaurant in the U.S.

Craft

Food and beer from Craft.

A restaurant concept from Canada is opening its first U.S. location in little old Dallas: Called Craft Restaurant & Beer Market, it's a small chain with an emphasis on craft beer and elevated casual dining opening in Preston Center at 5974 W Northwest Hwy.

That location is a former medical office, across the street from the Starbucks at the corner of Kate Street. According to a release, it will open in in early 2026 — their first in the American market.

The concept was founded in 2019 by craft beer wunderking PJ L'Heureux, who is partnered with Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars and the Moxies chain. It will feature more 100 beers on tap including local Texas brews, along with cocktails, wine, and a fresh, globally inspired menu.

L'Heureux calls Dallas "a natural fit" for Craft.

"Our large restaurant footprint, commitment to local products, and dedication to community are what Texas is all about," L'Heureux says in a statement. "Texas and specifically the Preston area of Dallas, with its booming economy, diverse culture, and love for craft cocktails and beer, is the perfect place for us to begin this exciting new chapter."

Craft will occupy a state-of-the-art, 10,500 square-foot space with a modern yet welcoming interior, featuring warm woods, industrial accents, and a massive 360-degree bar as its center.

The space will also include a 5,250 square-foot rooftop patio with a full bar, booth seating, lush greenery, and a games area — suitable for casual gatherings and special celebrations.

Craft president Scott Frank says that the chain, which has nine locations across Canada and is no relation to the Craft restaurant concept by chef Tom Colicchio, likes to create unique menus and partnerships in each of the communities they are in.

"Craft has always been about bringing people together, and we're thrilled to share our passion for craft beer, exceptional dining, and community building with our friends in the Texas market," L'Heureux says.

Gaglardi previously brought Moxie's Grill & Bar, his glossy Canadian sports-bar restaurant, to Dallas in 2016 — the first in the U.S. He's since opened locations in Plano, Southlake, and Houston.

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