Two popular Dallas-area chains are headed for Allen, where they'll open branches in a new expansion of Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, the popular center off US-75 and Bethany Drive.

The restaurants are Snappy Salads and Fish City Grill, and both will open in spring 2018.

The center is expanding its footprint, with a newly built extension on the southern side of DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse. Watters Creek marketing director Debra Martinez says that the two restaurants were chosen not only because they're Texas businesses and local favorites, but they'll also fill a niche at the center that is not currently being filled.

"We were looking for something to complement what we have, which includes PF Chang's, Brio, Cheesecake Factory, and Mi Cocina," she says. "We wanted something in the fast-casual vein, for people who want to come in and out more quickly, and for lunch. These two concepts were perfect choices."

Built in 2008, Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm is distinctive in that its terrain incorporates naturalistic elements including a village green and running creek. The mixed-use development includes retailers, restaurants, a Market Street grocery, office space, and loft apartments.

Snappy Salads is the gourmet salad chain with a strong environmental stance that includes tables made from salvaged wood, and energy-efficient lighting. Like its other locations, this will offer recycling of batteries and compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) at no cost. Their cups, utensils, and take-out containers are made from annually renewable resources and are compostable, and the straws are made from paper.

Fish City Grill’s friendly, neighborhood seafood joint will serve up menu favorites like their famous Oyster Nachos, fresh seafood entrees that change daily, a variety of shrimp, catfish and oyster dishes, as well as soups and salads plus a full bar. Giving back to the community is a big part of the Fish City Grill brand. The First Tuesday Benefit occurs on the first Tuesday of each month and a portion of the day’s proceeds are donated to a local charity.

Watters Creek plans to break ground on the south end of the lifestyle center by the end of this month. Martinez says that the center is nearly full.

"To add more restaurants, we definitely had to expand at the end of the property," she says. In addition to Snappy Salads and Fish City Grill, they'll add third restaurant, as well as another green space for events.