Jakes Burgers opens family-friendly Gameday spinoff in Dallas' Lake Highlands

Jakes burger topped with all manner of things.

Jakes

Massively popular Dallas chain Jakes Burgers & Beer has opened a new spinoff: Called Jakes Gameday, it's almost exactly like a Jakes Burgers & Beer, but with added features including games and family-friendly amusements.

The new concept opened on October 4 in Dallas' Lake Highlands, at 10677 E. Northwest Hwy. in the former End Zone at Plano Road.

Founded in 1985 by hamburger guru Jake Keller of Keller's fame, Jakes preceded the "better burger" trend by making a burger that was better than fast-food, with attention to detail like hand-cut fries.

They were ahead of their time on other now-popular trends such as a big selection of beer, which they serve in giant 18-ounce frosty schooners, and a big commitment to patios, which have become an essential accessory.

They have lots of big screen TVs for sports viewing inside and out, plus generous happy hours.

In addition to burgers, the menu includes wings, chicken-fried steak, veggie burgers, salads, sandwiches, chips & queso, quesadillas, and loaded fries.

The concept was taken over in 2003 by Greg Garvey, who retired and sold to Mad Concepts Group in 2021.

The chain has seen some closures in recent years including Henderson Avenue and Uptown, which was forced to close to make way for a high-rise.

But Mad Concepts, which also owns the Slim Chickens and Floyd’s 99 Barbershop chains, has big plans, with four openings the next year, bringing them to 11 total.

New Jakes Burgers & Beer locations coming soon include:

7215 Skillman St. #300, in the Kingsley Square shopping center at the intersection of Walnut Hill Lane, taking over the former Picasso's Pizza & Grill space (in the same center as the first Dallas location of California cookie chain Cookie Plug, opening later this month).
Aledo, at 601 N FM 1187
and a big opening in Addison, at 14920 Midway Rd.

"We previously had a location in Addison and we are so excited to be returning," says VP of operations Kendra Shier.

They're also opening another Jakes Gameday in Plano at 3303 Parker Rd.

"We bought all of the former End Zone bars, which we'll spruce up - they were all in great neihborhoods so we'll be closing them and transforming them," she says.

Lake Highlands is an ideal fit for the "Gameday" concept, she says.

"Gameday has all of the trademarks of a Jakes with the burgers and sports bar aspect, but also a game room for kids," she says. "Parents can still go watch the game but it's a family-friendly environment."

craft-beer openings

Closing News

Longtime Dallas restaurant Sevy's Grill to close after nearly 30 years

Photo courtesy of Sevy's Grill

undefined

A longtime Dallas restaurant is closing in 2026: Sevy's Grill, which has been open at 8201 Preston Rd. near Preston Center for nearly 30 years, will close on June 27, 2026.

According to a release from the owners, they're closing due to what appears to be an increase in rent.

"After months of negotiations, we were not able to come to a mutually beneficial agreement for our fourth 10-year lease," the post said.

The restaurant is located in Preston Sherry Plaza, which was acquired in September 2025 by Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate. Somebody gotta foot the bill.

Sevy's says they are looking at other locations.

"Our focus now is to finish these next 6+ months taking care of our guests and staff at the same caring level we built our brand on: Warm, professional service, consistently good food and a comfortable ambiance where the guest is always first," the post says. "First on our list of priorities is taking care of our guests in December and all the wonderful celebrations of family, friends and business groups. We do still have some availability for reservations, including our last New Years Eve at Preston Sherry. Come celebrate with us as the exciting anticipation of a new year for all of us."

"Our second priority will be the search for a new location to continue doing what we love," they said. "We are already reviewing possible sites and will keep everyone updated regularly."

Owned by chef Jim "Sevy" Severson and his wife Amy Severson, the restaurant has long been a neighborhood favorite with a lively bar scene, and was nominated in CultureMap's 2018 Tastemaker Awards for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. They were a frequent choice for winemaker events and are also known for the longevity of their staff.

"Eight team members have been with us all 29+ years, with an average tenure in the kitchen of 15+ years and a Management team that you all know," their post said. "Come support our staff as we celebrate the next 6+ months.Thank you again for your support through all the normal challenges of running a restaurant as well as economic downturns, market bubbles, Y2K, and of course the COVID era. As I tell my family and friends to “enjoy the ride in life”, wow, what an amazing ride it has been for us! And as always, Sevy’s Grill is here for you."