Vegan News

Vegan chicken restaurant on Dallas' Greenville Ave to close in acquisition

Slider from Project Pollo, soon to become extinct.

Project Pollo/Facebook

Buzzy vegan chicken fast-food chicken chain Project Pollo has been acquired. According to founder/owner Lucas Bradbury, the San Antonio-based chain was approached by a national group who will acquire their infrastructure, team, leadership, and locations.

Bradbury did not identify who the chain was, but described it as being similar to Zoes Kitchen and CAVA, and said that the transition from Project Pollo to new concept would begin in mid April.

The acquisition affects all locations including the one in Dallas at 4814 Greenville Ave., which will close on April 30, and will reopen later this summer under the new concept.

Bradbury will still own one location in Austin, which will continue to operate as a vegan fast-food spot, although possibly under a different name.

"This is a bittersweet moment as a founder," Bradbury said. "On one hand, a huge win, and on the other, falling short of the mission we set out to accomplish. Nonetheless, we are moving forward and locations will turnover operation due to the terms of the deal between April 16 and April 30."

Bradbury founded Project Pollo in 2020 to be just like a fast-food chicken restaurant in every way except the food was entirely vegan, combining plant-based affordability, convenience, and sustainability.

The menu featured vegan chicken sandwiches, wraps, and strips, plus loaded French fries, mac & cheese, available plain or topped with chicken nuggets, burgers, and milkshakes.

The company appeared on Shark Tank and expanded quickly, some might say too quickly, opening locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and Las Vegas. The food was well received — the Dallas location, which opened in February 2022, has 4.4 stars out of 5 on Google — but the chain experienced some of the usual mid-pandemic issues in service and consistency.

In February, Bradbury ruffled some vegan feathers when he debuted a new concept called Side Chicks at 303 San Pedro Ave., which served Project Pollo's menu of plant-based sandwiches, salads, and oat milkshakes, side-by-side with real chicken options including a Nashville hot sandwich, nuggets, wings, and a Caesar wrap.

At the time, he said he expanded the menu to keep the business afloat.

The acquisition schedule for locations so far is as follows:

Project Pollo, 9390 Huebner Rd., April 7
Project Pollo, 9519 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, April 30
Project Pollo, 4814 Greenville Ave Dallas, April 30
Project Pollo, 2438 W Anderson TBD

The acquisition will also include Side Chicks, which will close on April 16. The status on their remaining locations will be announced at a later date.

"It has been nothing short of an exceptional ride and we are thankful to the community that has been such a huge part of our success," he said.

vegan project pollo

outta this world

Cowboys superfan launches pizzeria with Tex-Mex twist in Dallas food hall

Photo courtesy of Starboy's

Check out the cheese pull on Starboy's birria pizza.

A new pizza restaurant is slinging a variety of innovative pies in the Dallas Medical District: Called Starboy’s Pizzeria, the new shop is part of Food Nation Cinco Cocinas, the eclectic food hall at 4711 Maple Ave. The food hall was created by Ray Quintanilla and legendary restaurateur and "Godfather of Dallas Tex-Mex" Mico Rodriguez, who died earlier this month at age 68.

John Flores, an IT professional and self-proclaimed Dallas Cowboys super-fan, created Starboy’s Pizzeria, which is now open in the former Sal’s Pizza and Restaurant space. Friends call Flores by the nickname "Starboy," which combines his love for the Cowboys and his fascination with NASA and space, he explains.

Flores met Quintanilla and Rodriguez while hosting karaoke at Mico’s Bar, another food hall occupant. When Sal’s closed earlier this year, they saw an opportunity to fill the void with a refreshed pizza concept.

“It is because of Mico that I even thought about starting this project: he was part of this, he was always happy, and we really hit it off, so I miss him,” Flores says.

Starboy's Pizzeria joins Mico’s Bar, Picazo Sushi and Poke, Wing City, and JJ’s Cafe, which opened a location in the food hall earlier this year.

Lupe Ibarra, a chef from the closed Sal’s Pizza with 25 years of experience, stayed on at Starboy's to continue perfecting traditional recipes while creating signature new ones tied to Flores’ Mexican heritage.

The result of the collaboration is a menu that includes traditional favorites alongside creative pies with a Mexican-inspired twist like the Pizza Birria (resembling the flavor profile of popular birria tacos), elotero, chicken fajitas, and pastor, among more than 15 specialty offerings.

Flores' passion for the Cowboys is especially evident in several unique creations:

Cry Eagles Cry: Inspired by the Philly cheesesteak, topped with beef, green peppers, onions, and mozzarella.
Starboy’s Classic (Blue): Red sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, onions, sausage, and fresh arugula.
Starboy’s Classic (Silver): White sauce, chicken, mushrooms, onions, arugula, mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze.
Cowboy: Brisket, onions, barbecue sauce, and smoked gouda.

Starboy's 16-inch pizzas range from $14-$25, with individual slices priced around $4. The menu also features sub sandwiches, pastas with a variety of sauces, and chicken Parmesan, all under $14.

To cater to the busy medical, residential, and retail crowds nearby, Starboy's offers lunch deals for under $12, which include pasta and garlic knots or a slice of pizza and a salad, complete with a drink.

Flores explains that his heritage and his mother’s influence serve as the primary driving force behind his new venture.

“My mom would always host family gatherings. She always fed people, and I got that from her. I like to see smiles on people’s faces from the things I do,” he says. “I have big dreams for this place. I want us to be part of the community and give back.”

Flores remains involved with karaoke at Mico’s Bar and is focused on driving traffic to the entire complex. He hosts Cowboys watch parties, while his adult children — Nathan, Natalie, and Amy — assist with social media, website management, and overall promotion for Starboy’s.

“When people try our pizzas for the first time, their eyes light up, so we know we are on the right track,” Flores says.

Starboy’s Pizzeria is open daily from 11 am-10 pm.

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