Table for Two

Inside the reservation system that fuels Dallas' hottest restaurants

Once a tiny start-up in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood, Tock’s network has grown rapidly in the past decade, earning a reputation as the industry’s most restaurant-friendly, all-in-one reservation system.

In recent years, Tock has become a go-to here in Dallas for businesses looking to drive incremental revenue through everyday reservations, events, takeout, and more.

Here’s how Tock works for every kind of business, from the avant-garde cocktail lounge to the storied steakhouse.

Apothecary
Tastemaker Awards nominee
Limited reservations with $10 deposits

Known for its whimsical cocktails and innovative techniques, Apothecary is the intimate, speakeasy-style bar from the team behind Rye. They offer limited reservations on Tock, while still holding select seats for walk-ins.

This hybrid system works great for guests who want to make plans in advance, or drop by on a whim — and the $10 deposit per person ensures they’ll actually show up.

Carte Blanche
Tastemaker Awards nominee
Prepaid tasting menu experiences

From a husband-and-wife team comes a fine dining experience that highlights unique wild game and native Texas ingredients.

Full chef’s tour and six-course menus can be booked with prepaid reservations. This allows the team “to anticipate who is coming in and to give guests an all-encompassing experience at the best price possible.”

Pappas Bros.
Tastemaker Awards nominee
Ticketed events

With locations in Dallas and Houston, this award-winning steakhouse, known for premium cuts and an impressive wine selection, dates all the way back to 1976.

Pappas Bros. use Tock to power (and sell out) unique events that suit their brand. For example, this month, they’re hosting a Treasures of Spain wine tasting and an exploration into "A Wonderful World of Pinot Noir."

Tatsu
Tastemaker Awards nominee
Limited, prepaid omakase reservations

Recently named a semi-finalist for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Foundation, Tatsu offers a serene omakase experience in the historic Continental Gin Building. Each night, chef/owner Tatsuya Sekiguchi prepares a traditional menu for fewer than 20 guests.

By prepaying, the team knows exactly who is going to show up, so they can focus on creating the ultimate dining experience.

Petra and The Beast
Reservations + pickup

Since being named one of Esquire's Best New Restaurants in America back in 2018, this casual dining spot has developed something of a cult following. With a focus on whole utilization, fermentation, and sustainability, chef Misti Norris supports local farmers while delighting Dallas diners.

She utilizes Tock for à la carte reservations, six-course tasting menu reservations with $25 deposits, and limited takeout, which includes cheese and charcuterie boards for pickup. All of these experiences are displayed side-by-side on their Tock page.

Funky Picnic Brewery & Café
Reservations, classes, and unique events

Born in a Fort Worth garage amongst friends, this craft brewery has grown into a full-fledged business with a kitchen and a backroom.

Photo courtesy of Carte Blanche

Tock helps Carte Blanche book chef's tours and multi-course dinners.

The team utilizes Tock for both free reservations and one-of-a-kind ticketed events. Curious imbibers can book a beer and cheese class, a beer yoga session, seasonal beer dinners, or the occasional late-night drag show.

Interested in using Tock for your business? Learn more here.

dinner apps tastemakers promoted

Charitable Event

Volunteers wanted for H-E-B's free holiday feast at Fair Park Dallas

Photo courtesy of H-E-B

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H-E-B and its family of brands, including Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop, and Favor, will bring back the annual Feast of Sharing dinner this holiday season to both Dallas and Fort Worth.

The two events are as follows:

Dallas Feast of Sharing is on Thursday, November 20 from 3-7 pm at Centennial Hall in Fair Park
Fort Worth Feast of Sharing is on Wednesday, November 12 from 3-7 pm at Dickies Arena

Both events will feature a Texas-style holiday meal alongside a festive celebration complete with a kid’s zone, live entertainment, health and family services, Santa greetings, and more. Meals are FREE and open to the public (first come first serve).

Anticipate preparations to serve meals to 10,000+ people, music, family activities, wellness screenings, and visits from Santa.

Volunteers
The organizers are seeking 1,000 volunteers in each city to assist with serving meals, clearing tables, hosting, and supporting the kid’s zone area during the four-hour events. All businesses, civic organizations, churches and schools are encouraged to sign up at www.centralmarket.com/community.

“We couldn’t bring this event to life without the dedication of our volunteers,” said Mabrie Jackson, managing director of public affairs, H-E-B/Central Market. “The holidays are about giving and community, and this year we’re proud to make a meaningful difference by sharing a delicious holiday meal with more families.”

The event, which has been held in Dallas since 2006 and Fort Worth since 2011, typically serves 10,000-15,000 residents in each city. In addition, more than 40 social service agencies are on hand with representatives to provide information and resources.

Since 1989, Central Market’s parent company, H-E-B, has invited people to celebrate the holidays with food, music, and good cheer at its Feast of Sharing events. The free holiday feasts, which are held in more than 34 cities in Texas and Mexico, bring together family, friends, and neighbors, and provides H-E-B an opportunity to give thanks to its loyal customers, regularly serving more than 340,000 meals.

In the more than three decades H-E-B has held these celebrations, more than 375,000 volunteers have helped serve nearly four million meals. This initiative is a part of H-E-B’s Hunger Relief Program, which works year-round to prevent hunger in the more than 300 communities H-E-B serves. Last year, H-E-B’s Hunger Relief Program donated 33 million pounds of food to families in need. Since 1982, the year the program was founded, H-E-B has donated more than one billion pounds of food to 5,500 non-profit organizations in Texas and Mexico.

Dallas Feast of Sharing – 19th Annual Holiday Dinner. Thursday, November 20, 2025, 3-7 pm, Fair Park – Centennial Hall, 1001 Washington St.
Fort Worth Feast of Sharing – 13th Annual Holiday Dinner. Wednesday, November 12, 2025, 3-7 pm, Dickies Arena (Lower level – southeast side of arena)1911 Montgomery St.

charity h-e-b holidays