Chef News

Famous D.C. chef awards Frisco Star with Michelin-worthy restaurant

Eastern Mediterranean restaurant Zaytinya is coming to The Star.

Photo courtesy of José Andrés

Frisco scores a major restaurant coup with a new place coming from an internationally renowned chef: José Andrés will open a second branch of Zaytinya, his eastern Mediterranean restaurant from Washington, D.C.

According to a release, Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup and the Turkey-based d.ream (Doğus Restaurant Entertainment and Management) have partnered to open a Zaytinya at The Star, the real estate development and Dallas Cowboys campus in Frisco.

This will be the first Michelin-rated chef to open a place at The Star. Zaytinya is known for its inventive Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisine and has been a top dining destination in D.C. since 2002.

Andrés' accolades include earning two Michelin stars for Minibar by José Andrés, also in Washington, D.C. He's been named one of the "100 Most Influential People" by Time magazine and is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, author, educator, television personality, and humanitarian.

More recently, he's been involved in a lawsuit with Donald Trump. Andrés was supposed to open up a restaurant in the lobby of the Trump International Hotel in Washington D.C., but he backed out in July 2015 after Trump called undocumented Mexican immigrants "rapists" and "criminals." Trump retaliated by filing a $10 million breach-of-contract lawsuit.

Andrés recently tweeted Trump, asking for a settlement, saying, "Mr. @realDonaldTrump can we end our lawsuits and we donate $ to a Veterans NGO to celebrate? Why keep litigating? Let's both of us win."

The chef says he's thrilled to be opening a Zaytinya in Dallas, even though it's really Frisco. Hope he doesn't get lost when he comes to visit.

"The Star is an incredible campus, developed with amazing detail by the Jones family and will be a great fit for my mezze restaurant," he says. "And we are very excited to be doing this with d.ream, one of the most respected, fastest-growing hospitality forces in the world."

Zaytinya will be located in Building 6W of the development, at 6655 Winning Dr., and will feature a modern, authentically Mediterranean decor with seating for up to 250.

Andrés founded his ThinkFoodGroup with partner Rob Wilder. Their 27 restaurants include Jaleo at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Fish at MGM National Harbor, J by José Andrés at W Mexico City, Bazaar Meat at the SLS Las Vegas and the Bazaar by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills and South Beach, along with Bazaar Mar at SLS Brickell.

Their partner, d.ream (Doğuş Restaurant Entertainment and Management) launched in 2012 and owns a number of restaurants in Turkey and internationally.

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Fro Yo News

Healthy dual restaurant serving smoothies and froyo to open in Prosper

Red Mango

Smoothies and frozen yogurt are coming to Prosper with two restaurants in one: Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and co-branded Red Mango will open at 1470 W. Frontier Pkwy. #102, on May 17.

On the Smoothie Kitchen side, they'll serve smoothies, juices, fruit power bowls, toasts, and grilled sandwich folds.

On the Red Mango side, they'll serve frozen yogurt with a self-serve model featuring four flavors, two additional swirl combinations, and 13 toppings.

Smoothie Factory was founded in the 1980s; Red Mango was founded in Dallas in 2007 had has 60 locations in the U.S. and internationally. The concepts are siblings — both part of the franchise portfolio of Dallas-based franchising company Brix Holdings, LLC.

Bringing the concept to Prosper are franchisees Lanford and Chianna Rodgers. Lanford is a former Illinois state trooper and independent insurance business owner, and Chiana is a financial advisor.

Together, they’re looking to offer a healthy and welcoming experience to a growing city.

“My professional career has changed over the years, but the one thing that unifies my experience is my purpose to help, support and build a community with new people,” says Chianna. “As I begin my journey as a small business owner and we open our doors to the Prosper community, I’m dedicated to leading a team that feels supported and is passionate about serving high-quality products and creating an unforgettable customer experience.”

Customers who show up on opening day can expect promotions, giveaways, prizes, and activities.

”The opening of the new Smoothie Factory + Kitchen and Red Mango location is one of many of our continuous efforts to provide better-for-you options to our guests by increasing access to healthy and delicious options in our communities,” says BRIX Holdings CEO Sherif Mityas in a statement. “Lanford is a passionate and dedicated owner with a team ready to make a positive impact and change the lives of their guests with fresh food, quality service, and a seamless customer experience. I’m confident that this location will be a Prosper neighborhood staple.”

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