News You Can Eat

You can taste the season on this platter of Dallas restaurant news

Pumpkin, pumpkin everywhere.

Photo courtesy of Houlihan's

There's pumpkin, pumpkin everywhere, with a fall theme dominating restaurant menus around Dallas right now. We have a few high-profile openings, some good news about happy hour specials, and lots of wings and things.

Here's what's happening in this week's dining news:

Zaytinya, the high-profile restaurant coming to The Star in Frisco from celebrity chef José Andres, is nearing its opening, and is currently staffing up. They're seeking passionate and talented professionals for both front of the house and back, including sous chef, managers, and beverage managers. Zaytinya offers an innovative mezze menu inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines, with shared small plates of authentic and innovative fare, creative cocktails, and unique Mediterranean wines. Since its 2002 opening in Washington, D.C., Zaytinya claims to be one the city's busiest and most popular restaurants.

Shake Shack has opened its third Dallas-area location at Preston Royal Village, at 6025 Royal Lane, #305, Dallas. The menu will feature the Dallas Link Burger, a cheeseburger topped with Pecan Lodge jalapeño cheese sausage. Frozen custard concrete flavors include Shacky Road (chocolate custard, marshmallow sauce, chocolate truffle cookie dough, and almonds); Royal Treatment (vanilla custard, marshmallow sauce, and crunchies); and Pie Oh My (vanilla custard and slice of Emporium Pies featured pie). How long will it take the neighbors of Preston Royal to realize they're eating glorified fast food?

Gather Kitchen, a new fast casual restaurant, is now open at Thanksgiving Tower in Downtown Dallas. This is the first location for Gather Kitchen, which claims to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner bowls using local and seasonal produce gathered from local farmers. To recap, both the produce and the farmers are local. The restaurant features a bakery corner with original recipes, including gluten-free, vegan, and Paleo options; an outdoor seating area; and floor-to-ceiling windows with downtown views.

Blue Sushi Sake Grill will open in late October in the new M-Line Tower, a mixed-use development in Uptown at 3220 McKinney Ave., at the corner of Bowen Street. This is the 12th location of this glossy Nebraska-based sushi chain and the third in DFW, following Dallas' Preston Hollow Village and the original on West 7th in Fort Worth.

Greenville Avenue Pizza Company has opened its second location east of Casa Linda Plaza at 1145 Peavy Rd., in a former tattoo parlor near Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House. There will be a small dining room, but it will serve mostly for pick-up and delivery. The original opened on Greenville Avenue 10 years ago.

Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, the Louisiana-based fried chicken tender chain, will open a location on October 3 near Dallas Love Field at 2503 West Mockingbird Ln., at the intersection of Maple Avenue.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House locations in Dallas, Plano, and Fort Worth have new appetizers, entrees, side dishes, and cocktails. They include a chilled shrimp tasting which is more satisfying than a chilled shrimp smelling; grilled asparagus with Romesco sauce; and rare Wagyu beef carpaccio served with fennel and arugula salad. There's also spaghetti squash gratin, and creamed corn with shishito peppers.

Pie Five Pizza Co. is now serving chicken wings, which they call "crispy craft wings," because everything gotta be "craft." Each flavor is paired with a perfectly matched crunchy topping. Time for some bullets:

Buffalo with ranch chips
BBQ with fried onions
Teriyaki with crushed wasabi peas
Sweet red chili with crispy red peppers
Garlic parmesan with parmesan crisps

Served traditional or boneless, the wings are offered at only three locations, two in Texas (the other is in Oklahoma). Exclusive! They're at 190 E. Stacy Rd. in Allen, and 2921 Hwy. 121 in Plano. They'll expand the wings to all locations in 2018.

Cicis Pizza has a trio of new pizzas whose flavor is inspired by wings, in a fusion of the two most popular football game snacks. The pizzas come on Cicis' garlic buttery crust, topped with chicken, cheese, and three wing-inspired sauces: sweet honey BBQ, zesty garlic parmesan, and fiery Buffalo. They'll be available on Cicis' buffet for a limited period through the end of February — football season, see.

Snuffer's, the local burger chain, has a Ghost Pepper Cheeseburger, topped with ghost pepper cheese, grilled jalapeños, red onions, and mustard, available for a limited time.

Bowl & Barrel, the bowling alley-restaurant concept, has launched a new happy hour where drink prices will change on the hour. All drinks will be $4 from 4-5 pm. They'll go up to $5 from 5-6 pm, and to $6 from 6-7 pm. Drink early, drink often.

Moviehouse & Eatery has a new fall menu from new F&B director James Atkinson with loaded tater tots, hummus plate, Brussels sprouts, Cobb salad, bowls, a farmhouse burger and turkey burger, and a quartet of taco with chicken pork, shrimp, and lobster. Brunch is now available all week, which really just sounds like "breakfast," with bread pudding French toast, yogurt parfait, and a bacon, egg, and cheese pizza. They're now offering daily specials and happy hour for the first time, with half-priced wine by the glass all day Monday.

Unleavened Fresh Kitchen, the fast casual lunch favorite, has new seasonal fall items: The Lorraine has bacon, eggs, onions, gruyere, and arugula and can be served as a wrap or hash. Caramelized cauliflower dip has roasted garlic, mint, and toasted pepitas. Roasted beet and goat cheese salad has arugula and smoked pecans.

Bar Stellar, Knox Henderson's resuscitated cocktail bar, has added weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 am-3 pm. Cocktail concoctions include cereal-themed drinks such as the Lucky Charm’d Black Russian. The menu includes stuffed challah French toast, chicken n' pancakes, and a Mediterranean omelet with egg whites, onions, tomatoes, spinach, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

Halcyon, the coffeehouse restaurant on Greenville Avenue, has refreshed its happy hour with $2 off Texas beers and liquors, wine specials, and happy hour prices on popular menu items such as mac & cheese with pulled pork, avocado toast, and Margherita flatbread. Hours are 4-8 pm weekdays, and 2-8 pm weekends.

7-Eleven is featuring a new item, the Pillsbury Stuffed Waffle, which has a maple-flavored waffle on the outside and layers of sausage, egg, and cheddar cheese on the inside. This is special because it's exclusive to 7-Eleven. Must try! The convenience-store chain also has something called chicken dippers, 5 for $1.99, which look like chicken fingers, and are served with three sauces: barbeque, Buffalo, and ranch.

Starbucks is all busy with the latte flavors. In addition to its most famous Pumpkin Spice Latte, it has a new flavor for fall: Maple Pecan Latte with espresso, steamed milk, maple syrup, and pecan. Starbucks has dabbled in maple in the past, with a Maple Macchiato (in the U.S. and Canada), a Golden Maple Latte (Singapore), and a Maple Pecan Latte (South Korea). This Maple Pecan Latte will be available to customers in the U.S. and Asia, while supplies last.

Houlihan's has two new pumpkin-themed specials: Pumpkin Spice Crème Brulee, with pumpkin puree mixed into the custard, and the #SoBasic Pumpkin Spice Martini. The seasonal offerings are available for a limited time only through November 23.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the Dallas cafe chain, is doing a limited-edition spotlight on apple-themed items, such as a green apple matcha smoothie. They're available until October 22.

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Roundup of Restaurant News

Surprising string of closures surfaces in this Dallas restaurant news

Mom's Cafe

Farewell Mom's Cafe

This roundup of dining news around Dallas has more than the usual number of closures, from chains to small indie spots — and that's not even counting Dick's Last Resort, which closed after 40 years. But there are openings and comebacks, not to mention new menus for the season, and maybe even better, new cocktails, too.

Here's what's happening in Dallas restaurant news:

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill, a small Middle Eastern restaurant chain from Chicago which made its debut in Dallas market with a location in Frisco in 2022, has unfortunately closed. The chain is still opening locations in more receptive places like California, but is officially out of Texas.

Mom’s Cafe, a modest restaurant at 602 Main St. in Allen that was revered for its basic, reasonably-priced fare, closed in November after 10 years. The restaurant changed ownership in 2024 and the beloved founder known as "Grandma" recently passed away.

Natuur, the smoothie and bowls concept from Denver, closed its Dallas location at 1902 Henderson Ave. They opened in 2022 with great smoothies and smoothie bowls in blends such as açaí or super green, to which you could add fruits, toppings, and granola; plus sourdough toasts, salads, hot bowls such as oatmeal and tomato basil soup, and cold brew coffee. They also had a location in Austin, which recently closed as well.

Theo's Drive-In, an iconic favorite in Grand Prairie, closed on November 30, after decades of serving late-night burgers, curly fries, and memories. The restaurant was founded in 1956 by Theo Chokas, then subsequently taken over by his nephew Theo. It wasn't until 2013 that they finally accepted credit cards. With its classic red roadside sign, it was a longtime staple on East Main Street, serving as a hangout after games, dates, and long nights with burgers, hot dogs, floats, and more.

Jack in the Box at 6308 Gaston Ave. has mounted a comeback with a retro-inspired renovation. It's one of the original locations in Dallas which opened in 1969, and has been rebuilt with retro visuals and nostalgic touches such as an old-school speaker box, vintage signage, and a recreated classic menu board. The throwback is not a chain-wide initiative, but is only taking place at this location, which is owned by franchisee Chris Aslam, who operates 27 Jack in the Box locations in Dallas and more throughout the system.

Jack in the Box on Gaston AveJITB

Naturals Rolls & Ice Cream is now open in Frisco at 5266 Independence Pkwy #105, serving rolled ice cream — the third place to open doing rolled ice cream place to open in the last year, following Maya Creamery in Las Colinas, and Cream and Crepes at the Shops at Park Lane, in a trend that weirdly seems to be making a comeback. In addition to rolled ice cream, the oddly-plural Naturals also serves shakes, juices, bubble waffles, and Indian desserts.

Hugs Cafe, a nonprofit that employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will open in East Dallas on December 8 at 2918 Live Oak St. Hugs creates opportunities for adults with IDD to gain independence, confidence, and purpose through work. They'll be open for breakfast and lunch with dishes such as the Chickie Hug, Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich, salads, soups, and specials.

Kimiya Japanese Cuisine McKinney is a new All-You-Can-Eat restaurant which just opened in McKinney in a former Denny's (and before that, a TGI Friday's) at 1615 N Central Expy. The AYCE option features sushi, sushi rolls, appetizers like edamame and crab puffs, and is $24 at lunch, when it's limited to 90 minutes. In addition to AYCE, they have a huge a la carte menu with sushi rolls, teriyaki, tempura, hibachi lunch, ramen, kalbi, bento boxes, fried rice, udon noodles, and more.

Yemandi Yemeni Cuisine, a unique Middle Eastern restaurant at 888 S. Greenville Ave. #210 in Richardson, opened in May but only just celebrated a ribbon-cutting. The restaurant, which specializes in dishes from Yemen, the small coastal country south of Saudi Arabia, has enjoyed a whirlwind existence since it was featured in a TikTok video that showed its unique Sunnah-style dining option, available in a few secluded booths where you sit on the floor while you eat. The menu features familiar Middle Eastern staples such as hummus, but also less familiar dishes like hummus with liver.

Café Momentum, the non-profit and culinary training facility, has unveiled a new seasonal menu created by chef de cuisine Aaron Collins in collaboration with Café Momentum’s youth interns. Dishes include fried oysters with Cajun spice with caviar ranch; delicata squash with tahini, pomegranate molasses, & toasted pecans; mushroom bisque; cider-brined pork tenderloin with spaetzle & apple-cabbage slaw; halibut with sweet potato, cauliflower, & Brussels sprouts; coffee-rubbed 44 Farms NY strip with broccolini & potato gratin; butternut squash rigatoni with kale & pancetta; Moroccan chickpea and vegetable stew with couscous; fennel zucchini salad with candied pecans; bourbon pecan pie; and chai-spiced sweet potato cake.

White Rock Brewing Co. which is located in Oak Cliff, is serving holiday-themed cocktails through December that include a Cranberry Margarita and a Peppermint Espresso Martini. They're also making seasonal beers brewed with Noble Coffee including the Imperial Coffee Stout and Pumpkin Spice Ale.

Nothing Bundt Cakes has two holiday flavors for December: Coconut Cream Snowflake, a coconut cake filled with vanilla pudding, topped with coconut, available in personal-sized Bundtlets from December 1-14; and Peppermint Chocolate Chip chocolate cake with chocolate chips and peppermint pieces, available in all sizes December 8-January 4.

Dave’s Hot Chicken, the chain from California, has launched a new core menu offering: Saucy Bites, featuring Dave's Chicken Bites tossed in one of three sauces: Spicy Buffalo, Spicy BBQ, or Mike’s Hot Honey. They're also debuting a Ranch dip and a spicy version called the Reaper Ranch.

Snooze, the buzzy brunch chain, has unveil a new lineup of holiday specials as follows: Sticky toffee buttermilk pancakes topped with pecan sticky toffee sauce, espresso-date mascarpone and candied orange zest; spiked peppermint hot chocolate with blanco tequila, coffee liqueur, and peppermint syrup; gingerbread latte with espresso, milk, gingerbread syrup, and a ginger snap cookie; caramel haze hot chocolate with hazelnut and caramel syrup; peppermint hot chocolate, and peppermint mocha hot with crushed peppermint.

Toastique, the toast-loving chain with a location in Addison, has an amazing smoothie of the season: a spiced pumpkin smoothie with pumpkin, banana, almond milk, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice.

Jinya Ramen Bar has new winter chef’s specials by chef Kazuya Takebe: Tokyo Yatai Classic, a clear chicken broth with pork chashu, seasoned egg, spinach, green onion, chopped, onion and a slice of naruto Japanese fish cake, with thin noodles nori; and Crispy Chicken Wings in Asian sweet-sour sauce. Guests who order the Tokyo Yatai Classic will receive one of three limited-edition ramen spoons featuring Demon Slayer characters Tanjiro Kamado, Zenitsu Agatsuma, or Inosuke Hashibara.

North Italia is offering a Holiday Lunch Prix Fixe where you can order a small plate and entrée duo for $25. The menu is available from 11 am-4 pm daily, featuring standouts from North’s latest seasonal menu like the Sunday Night Lasagna and Arancini along with exclusive dishes like the Chicken Parmigiana Verde, Bruschetta Duo, and Brussels Sprout & Medjool Pizza. It's available through December 23.

Chili’s is bringing back a top-selling Margarita of the Month for December: the Merry Maker Marg for $6, with Lunazul Blanco Tequila, Cointreau, Monin Blackberry, strawberry puree, and house-made sour, served with a reusable Santa ‘stache straw.

Fish City Grill and Half Shells have rolled out a wave of new menu items upgraded oyster nachos with housemade chips, chargrilled oysters, moked troup dip, the omega bowl with salmon, Havarti-cheddar mac & cheese, Mediterranean sea bass, and Texas redfish.

Perch Bistro & Bar is launching 12 holiday cocktails which they'll serve from December 1-12. They include frozen spiced cranberry paloma, pomegranate spritz, gingersnap martini, spiced cranberry whisky sour, banana bread old fashioned, and a stuffing martini.

Bellagreen American Bistro, the Texas-based healthy chain, has launched a new winter seasonal menu that will run through February in all Houston and Dallas locations. It's built around the Golden Glow diet, featuring nutrient-dense ingredients like turmeric, ginger, sweet potatoes, kale, berries, and green tea. Highlights include chicken soup; golden grain & arugula salad (with butternut wild rice pilaf, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and goat cheese); roasted veggie quinoa-kale bowl with sweet potatoes, cauliflower, and tahini-sriracha sauce; seared salmon over turmeric cauliflower rice; peppermint cheesecake; and German chocolate cheesecake.

White Rhino Coffee, the DFW coffeehouse chain, has three new seasonal beverages: Chumpkin, a blend of spiced chai and pumpkin with steamed milk which can be made "dirty" by adding espresso or matcha; Gingerbread Latte with espresso, milk, and gingerbread spice; and Banana Bread Latte with oat milk, banana purée, cinnamon, and choice of espresso or matcha.

Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, the Italian Ice concept, is teaming up with Andes mint with holiday specials spotlighting Andes' chocolate-mint flavor in two new frozen treats: Mint Fudge Sundae features Rita’s Vanilla and Chocolate Twist Frozen Custard topped with Andes Mints, hot fudge, and whipped cream; Mint Cookie Crunch Concrete features Vanilla Frozen Custard blended with Andes Mints and Oreo cookie pieces. Available through January 11.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is ringing in the holiday season with a festive limited-time cocktail: the Jingle Berry ‘Rita, available through December 31. It blends Fuzzy’s Frozen House Margarita with blackberry syrup, Ole Smoky Blackberry Moonshine, and a Black Cherry White Claw dunk, bringing a burst of berry-forward cheer to every sip.

Mister Charles, the acclaimed restaurant on Knox Street from Duro Hospitality, made the list in OpenTable's prestigious Top 100 Restaurants in America for 2025 — the only restaurant in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to earn a spot on this coveted list and one of only 10 in the entire state of Texas.

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