Deep Ellum News

Acclaimed chain Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams opens scoop shop in Dallas

They're all about the scoops, and so are we.

Jeni's

UPDATE 2-8-2021: The shop is now open.

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Dallas is in line to get some very good ice cream with the imminent arrival of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.

The Columbus, Ohio-based chain is on the brink of opening a location in Deep Ellum, at 2649 Main St., in the space previously occupied by Paddywax Candle Bar, which closed due to the pandemic.

A company spokesperson said she did not have details on the opening or timeline, but there is definitely activity at the store that would lead one to presume the opening is very very near. The company has a habit of opening quietly without fanfare, which this story possibly ruins. Sorry, Jeni's.

Jeni's is a nationally acclaimed brand that has been available by retail at Whole Foods Market and Central Market stores. They've recently begun opening scoop shops and have locations in Nashville, Chicago, Atlanta, Charleston, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Washington DC, Charlotte, Austin, and Houston.

The scoop shops offer about two dozen flavors, with incredible-sounding offerings such as Milkiest Chocolate, Salty Caramel, Wildberry Lavender, Brown Butter Almond Brittle, Goat Cheese and Roasted Cherries, which they say is "like a scoopable cherry cheesecake," and Coffee With Cream and Sugar, which is made from also-acclaimed Intelligentsia coffee. Gah, doesn't that sound so good? It's always impossible to get a good coffee ice cream.

They offer creative vegan flavors that currently include Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns, Cold Brew With Coconut Cream, Frose Sorbet, and Texas Sheet Cake ("decadent chocolate cake crumbles, bittersweet fudge, and palate-gripping cocoa"). They also rotate in seasonal specials like Boozy Eggnog, Cognac with Gingerbread, and White Chocolate Peppermint. OMG.

It's not cheap: One scoop is $5.50, but you can also get two half scoops, which is very customer friendly, or three half scoops for $6.50. Best of all is the flight of 10 half scoops, well worth the $20.

The shop does not offer sundaes, milkshakes, or other ice cream-based items. Just like CultureMap, they're all about the scoops.

The store also sells pints to go in a wider variety than the selection sold in grocery stores, along with T-shirts and founder Jeni Britton Bauer's cookbook, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home.

The location offers a limited amount of seating but plenty of walkability. It's in the same little nook as Merit Coffee and Archer Paper Goods. You get your ice cream cone, you browse in Archer, you end with a coffee at Merit.

Jeni's is making a push into Texas. The company opened its first of two locations in Austin in November 2019, and has since opened two locations in Houston.

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Eric Sandler contributed to this story.

desserts deep-ellum ice-cream

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.

craft beer openings