Speakeasy News

Steakhouse with speakeasy to slink into historic downtown Prosper

1902 in Prosper

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There's a new American steakhouse coming to DFW with a speakeasy on the side. Called 1902, it’ll open in downtown Prosper, in the former Prosper Wine House at 209 W. Broadway St., in summer 2025.

1902 is a new concept from Alora Hospitality Group, a partnership between Donny Churchman (Nack Development) and hospitality entrepreneur Jason Young with a mission to create new concepts in historic downtown areas.

Leading the culinary side is chef Amy DiBiase, a New England native and graduate of Johnson & Wales University whose vast background includes San Diego’s Intercontinental Hotel, the award-winning Tidal at Paradise Resort and Spa, Grand Restaurant Group, and most recently Sanderling Resort in Duck, North Carolina.

"Chef DiBiase has experience running multiple restaurant groups, and has worked internationally as a chef," Young says. "Our goal is to make her famous here in North Texas."

Alora's other concepts include The Parlour (with Board & Bread) and Old Town Pie Co.; Frisco Premier Catering - Cocktails & Culinary; and Three Empires Brewing with David & Mandy Wible. (They were also previously partnered on Earnest B's BBQ but are no longer involved.)

With 1902, they're making a big investment, including a $1 million renovation of the space, which is part of a cluster of small charming buildings on West Broadway in Prosper, a mix of vintage and new. The property where 1902 will go was built in 2023 by the owners of Prosper Wine House in a partnership with the Prosper Economic Development Corporation. Alora bought the building in January.

The vision for 1902 is a restaurant that's elevated, yet approachable, open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. Although it's too early to get into menu specifics, Young says there will be steaks, pastas, burgers, and salads, plus a full bar with cocktails, beer, and a wine list, keeping up the tradition established by the prior tenant.

Adding a speakeasy concept was a creative way to use the restaurant's second level which comes with its own built-in rooftop bar. It'll be called Mary Ann's, and will offer cocktails in a Prohibition-era style lounge, boasting what Young describes as a "more adult vibe," with live music and entertainment.

As any speakeasy aficionado knows, having a cool entrance is key. To give Mary Ann's the momentum it deserves, it'll be accessed via an elevator — one of many major additions they're making to the space.

"We have to add an elevator, a full commercial kitchen, and a grease trap, and we're updating the interior design as well," Young says.

"We're excited to help drive a lot of energy and activity in the heart of every city, and they deserve a great experience in their downtown," he says. "And we want to bring attention to all the other great stores and merchants that are there, as well."

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Coffee News

Italian brand Lavazza Coffee opens training facility in Dallas

Lavazza

Lavazza Coffee

A coffee brand from Italy has planted a stake in Dallas: Lavazza, founded in the northern Italian city of Turin in 1895, has opened a state-of-the-art training center in Dallas, at 1722 Routh St. #960, where it will serve as a hub for coffee enthusiasts throughout the Southwest.

Dallas is the newest outlet in Lavazza's coffee training network, joining locations in New York, Chicago, Miami, Los Angeles, West Chester Pennsylvania, and Toronto — part of their expansion across high-growth markets in the U.S., and its mission to elevate coffee culture globally. (They're also doling out endorsement dollars in commercials featuring Steve Carell and John Krasinski.)

The facility is equipped with espresso, brewing, and coffee innovation equipment, and will serve Lavazza partners, industry professionals, baristas, and distributors. They'll offer hands-on training, SCA certification, menu development, and emerging coffee trends.

Lavazza already partners with many respected hospitality groups and culinary destinations in Dallas including Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Coury Hospitality Group, Al Biernat's Steakhouse, and Vandelay Hospitality.

In October 2025, Lavazza also began serving coffee on flights by Fort Worth-based American Airlines — further strengthening their connection to the North Texas market. The facility will enable Lavazza to provide closer, more consistent support to these partners and help elevate their coffee programs through continued training and collaboration.

Lavazza has been owned by the Lavazza family for four generations. Today they're one of the leading players on the global coffee scene, with a portfolio of top brands that lead their respective markets, such as Lavazza, Carte Noire, Merrild, and Kicking Horse.

In a statement, Lavazza North America president Hossam Ashraf says that "Dallas has an incredible energy and an ever evolving coffee scene," while Lavazza North America Marketing VP Daniele Foti says that Dallas is great, and we must concur.

"As one of the fastest growing hospitality and culinary markets in the country, Dallas represents a tremendous opportunity for Lavazza," Foti says. "Our investment in this new Training Center demonstrates our commitment to the region and to the partners who bring the Lavazza experience to life every day. Dallas is a city of innovation and high standards, and we are excited to deepen our roots here."

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