Sweet Dreams Are Made Of This

Dallas Chocolate Festival is back to tempt your sweet tooth this fall

There's no such thing as too much chocolate.

Photo by Kathy Tran

Some might say the three sweetest words in the English language are "I love you," but we think it's "Dallas Chocolate Festival."

That's right, the three-day fest dedicated entirely to chocolate is back and tastier than ever, happening September 6-8 at Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG).

What started as a dream in 2009 has since developed into a community of craft chocolate enthusiasts that grows bigger and more delicious every year.

This year's 27 participants are some of the best and brightest chocolatiers and chocolate makers from around the country, and — most importantly — they bring with them a delicious array of samples, exciting demos, and interactive workshops.

Dallas Chocolate Festival Samples, samples, and more samples.Photo by Kathy Tran

Those who go can explore everything from the bean harvesting process to unexpected food pairings and drink experimentations to beautiful packaging and presentations.

Here's a look at the schedule:

Friday, September 6, from 6-9 pm
Night of Indulgence VIP Experience
Start the weekend off right with exclusive chocolate samples; complimentary cocktails, Coppola wines, and Texas Ale Project beers (21+ only); and delectable bites from top local chefs including Uchi, Perch Bistro & Bar, Gemma, Las Almas Rotas, Mot Hai Ba, and Café Momentum.

Saturday, September 7, from 10 am-5 pm
Explore a jam-packed day of tantalizing chocolate pairings, hands-on classes, and unique experiences. View the full Saturday schedule here.

Sunday, September 8, from 11 am-3 pm
Keep the excitement going with more delicious samples, engaging demos, and a special Bean to Bar class offsite at the 5Mile Chocolate Kitchen. View the full Sunday schedule here.

Tickets are on sale now and include several options so you can build your perfect outing. FIG is located at 1807 Ross Ave., in the heart of the Dallas Arts District.

chocolate chocolate festival chocolatiers festivals fig promoted

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