Pop-up News

Dallas bar famed for pop-culture pop-ups swings in Austin Powers theme

Austin Powers, international man of mystery.

Courtesy photo

Dallas bar The Whippersnapper loves a culture-themed pop-up and now has a smashing one for 2023: Called the Electric Shagadelic Pussycat Swingers Club, it's a British invasion-style concept centered on Austin Powers, the '60s character created by comedian Mike Myers.

According to a release, the pop-up will debut on February 9.

The Electric Shagadelic Pussycat Swingers Club is the famed nightclub in the Austin Powers series of films. The pop-up will feature specialty food and drink menus, interactive experiences, local art, photo opportunities, and nightly entertainment.

Anticipate Austin Powers, and the retinue of characters such Dr. Evil and Fat Bastard, from the late 90’s hit movies, in residence at The Whippersnapper off Henderson Avenue at 1806 McMillan Ave.

The Whippersnapper is part of This & That Hospitality, the folks behind neighborhood staples like Double D’s, High Fives, Tiny Victories, Sfuzzi, and Ferris Wheelers.

Patrons are invited to step into this kitschy and swinging slice of 60’s pop culture, preferably dressed in period attire.

Food and cocktail items include:

Get in My Belly Burger – Double meat patty, two slices of cheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles and special sauce on a white bun
Mama Cass – Roasted herb turkey, avocado, tomato, cucumber, bacon and lemon aioli on multigrain wheat
Mini Me – choice of fries or tater tots
Freaking Laser Beam – Skrewball Whiskey, Cranberry, Lemon, Lime, garnished with a gummy shark
Goldmember – Denizen Rum, Banana, Pineapple, Orange garnished with a gold sugared rim

In a statement, This & That Hospitality co-founder Phil Schanbaum speaks to the film's impact on pop culture.

"The movie was iconic, spawning a pair of equally hilarious sequels," Schanbaum says. "It’s always been one of my favorite movies, so I can’t wait to see everyone bring their best mojo to The Whip next month."

Supermarket News

Kroger supermarket chain to open 3 new stores in Dallas area

Courtesy of Kroger

Kroger store exterior

The Kroger Co. plans to open three new Kroger Marketplace format stores in North Texas. They're revealing two of the three locations with the third to be divulged at a later date.

The two cities they're revealing are Fate and McKinney. According to a release, all three projects — including the mystery third location — will break ground in 2026. Further details on each location will be shared when the groundbreaking dates are announced. Why must they tease us so?

“Kroger is working hard to keep pace with North Texas’ explosive population growth, ensuring communities have access to fresh, affordable groceries and essential items,” said Kroger’s Texas Division president Rudy DiPietro in a statement. “As new communities continue to emerge, these new stores will provide what the community has come to expect from Kroger – full shelves, where everything is fresh and our people are friendly.”

Kroger has been on an opening spree: In October 2025, the company opened its newest Kroger Marketplace store in the Bonds Ranch area of Fort Worth at the northeast corner of Bonds Ranch Road and Highway 287.

Three new Kroger Marketplace stores are currently under construction and expected to open in 2026 and early 2027 in Little Elm, Anna and the Sendera Ranch community of North Fort Worth.

Kroger Marketplace format stores are multi-department stores offering full-service grocery, pharmacy and expanded general merchandise including outdoor living products, electronics, home goods, toys, and more. Marketplace stores typically range in size from 99,000 to 130,000 square feet.

Kroger currently operates more than 100 stores in North Texas and East Texas and more than 210 stores throughout Texas. In 2022, Kroger opened a Fulfillment Center in Southern Dallas to focus solely on the growing demand for grocery delivery service. Over time, the company has expanded delivery options in North Texas with Instacart, Uber Eats and Door Dash to serve an ever-increasing digital audience and more remote communities without the need for brick-and-mortar stores.

Kroger also offers customers additional Texas-sized savings and rewards on top of lower-than-low prices at Kroger.com or on the Kroger app, where there are more than $600 in digital coupons available every week.

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