Sports + Snacks

All the game-day snacks awaiting you at CultureMap Dallas' Tailgate

Open wide for sliders from Scout at The Statler.

Photo courtesy of The Statler

Attention, sports fans: The Tailgate presented by Verizon is almost here. CultureMap Dallas' signature sporty event, presented by Verizon, is happening Monday, December 9, at The Empire Room, and you'll want to be there.

Why? Because even if you aren't a football fanatic, hockey hound, soccer supporter, or basketball and baseball buff, you're probably a big fan of fantastic local food and drinks.

All Tailgate tickets include bites by participating restaurants, complimentary premium beverages, and access to fun activities throughout the event. VIP tickets come with one-hour-early entry, access to a dedicated VIP bar, an exclusive meet-and-greet with former Texas Rangers star and baseball legend Rafael Palmeiro, and more perks for an elevated experience.

You also get to make your voice heard before the event, as readers are now voting for their favorite local wings restaurant in our Ultimate Wing Showdown. Think of this as sort of like the Sweet 16, where local champs face off in an online tournament and the winner will be revealed at the party. Click here to vote for your favorites.

Hungry yet? Popular Dallas restaurants and chefs will create tailgate-inspired dishes for attendees to sample and vote for their favorite.

Here's even more of what's on the menu at The Tailgate:

Smash Burger Pizza from Cenzo's Pizza & Deli
Buffalo shrimp and blue cheese grits from McRae's American Bistro & Cocktails
Dr Pepper BBQ bacon sliders from Snuffer's
Sweet n' spicy bruschetta from Postino
Pulled pork banh mi from JW Marriott Arts District
Bulgogi Ssam (marinated ribeye lettuce wraps) from JOA Grill
A variety of mini sandwiches from Corner Bakery
Mexican shrimp cocktail and poblano cream soup from Anaya's Seafood
Game Time venison roll-ups from Y.O. Ranch Steakhouse
Smoke Signal sliders from Scout at the Statler Hotel
Pastrami and pimento cheese sandwiches from Empire Baking Company
Nonna's spaghetti and meatballs from Will Salisbury
The Original ChopShop's Kickoff with Coconut Chia Pudding and Huddle for Hummus with tortilla strips and veggies
Blueberry cheesecake and tiramisu tartlets from La Rêve Gelato & Pâtisserie

To wet your whistle, there will be signature cocktails by Tequila 512 (the Touchdown Margarita and Mexican Mule Rusher) and Jim Beam Black (the BBG and Rackhouse Black) and beer from EIGHT, along with THC seltzers from Howdy, 8th Wonder, and Beach Break.

The event will also shine a spotlight on local sports organizations, including the 2023 World Series champs Texas Rangers, who will be raffling off an autographed baseball to fans. The Frisco RoughRiders' mascot, Bull Moose, will be on hand for fun giveaways. And Former FC Dallas soccer star Kenny Cooper will kick it with fans in a meet-and-greet.

Verizon and CultureMap are even giving away a VIP trip for two to Super Bowl LIX*. More details on how to enter here for a chance to win. To get into the spirit, Verizon and their Super Bowl bus will host a special appearance from a surprise celebrity athlete at Tailgate.

We'll keep you up to date on all things Tailgate-related in a special editorial series of stories leading up to the event.

Tickets are $75 for VIP and $50 for General Admission. For a limited time, we’re giving you $10 off; use code Tailgate10 at checkout.

Get your tickets now before they sell out, and we’ll see you on December 9.

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The Tailgate is presented by Verizon and sponsored by HOWDY, Eight Beer, Jim Beam Black, 512 Tequila, and more to be announced.

*The NFL Entities shall have no liability or responsibility for any claim arising in connection with participation in this sweepstakes or any prize awarded. The NFL Entities have not offered or sponsored this sweepstakes in any way.

sports celebrities wings tailgate

Pie News

White Rhino Coffee acquires Dallas bakery chain Emporium Pies

Photo courtesy of Emporium Pies

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A Dallas pie company has a new boss: Emporium Pies, a small chain of pie shops founded in 2012, has been acquired by White Rhino Coffee, the Dallas-born coffee company known for its community-driven cafés and craft-focused approach.

Emporium Pie owners and sisters Landon Perdue, Jen Abohosh, and Addie Roberts say in a release that the transition reflects a natural alignment in values.

"Part of our shared mission is hospitality and giving people a reason to celebrate," Roberts says. "We love the team, who I’ll continue working alongside, and I’m excited for this next chapter together. There’s something about dessert that brings people joy in a way nothing else can, and we’re thrilled to see that legacy carried forward."

Emporium began as a small operation selling pies from a 1930s bungalow in Bishop Arts. A second location opened in McKinney in 2013, followed by Deep Ellum which opened in 2016, and Fort Worth which opened in 2021, for a total of four shops. This is the second time the chain has changed hands; the original founders sold the company in 2022.

White Rhino was founded in 2007 and currently has 12 locations, the most recent being a location at Cypress Waters, inside a conference room, which opened in 2025.

“Emporium Pies has built an extraordinary legacy,” said Sara Escamilla, CEO of White Rhino Coffee. “Their products are consistently excellent, impeccably crafted, and beloved. Every pie is made with the highest quality ingredients. To be able to support and grow a concept of this caliber is an honor.”

The bakers and Addie Roberts will remain on staff, ensuring that the recipes remain unchanged. While the businesses will operate as usual for now, White Rhino Coffee plans to explore expanding Emporium Pies’ footprint across the Dallas–Fort Worth area.

They'll also introduce collaborations and menu integrations such as signature pie-and-coffee pairings.

“For now, it simply means coffee and pie - two of life’s best comforts - can be enjoyed across both brands,” Escamilla says.

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