Opening News

High-tech underground dinner theater debuts at Toyota Music Factory in Irving

Rayleigh Underground

Angie Randal

A unique dinner theater from a hospitality veteran has opened at Toyota Music Factory in Irving: Called The Rayleigh Underground, it's a combination theater, restaurant, and bar from Kim Forsythe, CEO of Restaurant Expert Management, whose other concepts include Sambuca in Plano.

According to a release, The Rayleigh promises to offer a contemporary twist on classic theater, with a capacity of 1,000, coupled with a restaurant serving Pacific Rim cuisine.

Located at 316 Las Colinas Blvd. W #100, it's a massive 38,000-square-foot venue featuring

theater
indoor & outdoor dining spaces on two levels
six bars including two VIP bars
three flexible private dining spaces on the second level
state-of-the-art light and audio capabilities for an immersive and unforgettable experience

... all providing a dynamic space for live performances such as concerts, comedy shows, and speakers.

Its location tucked under the nearby Live Nation Pavilion’s amphitheater lawn gives it an underground vibe. Visitors will be greeted by sheer rock walls with pops of colorful lighting.

It'll initially be open for dinner with a menu showcasing a fusion inspired by Pacific Rim countries, blending Thai, Hawaiian, East Indian, and Californian influences. Highlights include

Pacific Rim Steak Bites
Tuna Poke Martini
Braised Pork Belly
Korean Fried Chicken Bao Buns
Scallop Risotto
Lamb Korma
Smoked Chile Salmon
Cowboy Ribeye

It's named for Britain’s Lord Rayleigh, the pioneer of acoustics and light wave scattering, and has oodles of tech gear that include a plug-and-play setup for talent as well as for corporate and private events, with an 18' x 50' stage, a central 36' x 18' Absen 2.9 pitch video wall, and multiple interactive LED screens.

A Dallas local with 32 years in the hospitality industry, Forsythe says in a statement that “The Rayleigh Underground stands as a testament to architectural creativity, offering a unique entertainment experience with trend-setting food and beverage menus and exceptional service to the guest.”

music concerts openings

Quonset Hut News

Familiar names take over Quonset hut for new Far-Out Dallas bar

Yelp

Wriggly Tin is now Far-Out Dallas

There's a new Dallas restaurant and bar coming to everyone's favorite Quonset hut: Called Far-Out, it'll take over the space at 1906 E. Haskell Ave. in East Dallas that was previously home to Wriggly Tin, with a grand opening slated for 2025.

Founders Caroline and James Lee are calling it Far-Out & La Hermana Cerveceria and promise that a culinary adventure awaits.

"After months of creative brainstorming and a bit of furniture rearranging, we are thrilled to announce an exciting new pioneering concept that will open its doors in 2025," the duo says. "Introducing Far-Out & La Hermana Cerveceria, a dynamic new restaurant and brewery born from the collaboration of industry veterans."

The team includes some beloved East Dallas names:

Marc Cassel of The Green Room and 20 Feet Seafood Joint
Christopher Jeffers of Bolsa and Smoke
Stephanie Houston, the trailblazing first Latina Production distillery owner in America

Also joining the team is Bar Director Adam Mercado, whose resume includes stints at Billy Can Can and Brass Ram.

Marcado will crafting a unique beverage program, with support from mixologist Brian McCullough. Together, they will create what the founders call "unforgettable drink experiences to complement our delicious culinary offerings."

Wriggly Tin opened in November 2023 as an ultra-hip pizza and craft beer spot inside a renovated Quonset hut near Dallas' Fair Park — a former Cajun fried turkey place which they gave doting makeover with custom plaster walls and art objects from around the world. They replaced one whole side of the hut with glass for sunsets and created a spacious outdoor patio in front.

They earned two nomination in CultureMap's 2024 Tastemaker Awards, one for Best Bar and another for Best Patio.

Alas, the original founders, who'd previously owned Small Brewpub in Oak Cliff, parted ways shortly after it opened. And the bar closed down in September 2024, for what they called "internal changes."

Now the hut is back: The new Far-Out bar is already up and running a few days a week. In the coming days, they will offer updates and sneak peeks as they gear up for the opening of their kitchen.

openings