Cheesecake News

Dallas dessert shop Val's Cheesecakes calls it quits on Greenville Ave

Val's cheesecake

Photo courtesy of Val's

A Dallas dessert shop has closed its doors: Val's Cheesecakes, located at 2820 Greenville Ave., closed for good on December 17 after 12 years.

Owner Valery Jean-Bart issued a statement saying that he was ready to move on to new things.

"The time has come to officially close the doors at our Greenville location," he said. "This is not just the end of a chapter; it is the end of a place that has been a huge part of my life and journey. Over the years, we have built something special here, but the time has come to let this space go so we can move forward with clarity and purpose."

Jean-Bart started selling his cheesecakes in 2012 after a career in civil engineering. He took the inspiration from his mother's love of cheesecakes before she passed from breast cancer.

Over the past decade, he had many ups and downs, with other locations that he opened and closed, often abruptly, and more than one closure followed by a reopening.

But he said this time he was closing permanently, calling the past few months "a challenge" but also a reminder of what matters.

"Focusing on friends, family, and my personal life is more important now than ever," he said. "I am leaving this location on my own terms, proud of what we have accomplished and ready for what is next."

What is next is Val's Blue Label, his other shop in the Cedars District at 1112 S. Akard St. which he opened in March 2023 and which is described as an elevated cheesecake experience that also holds classes and workshops.

Downtown News

Hampton Social will serve coastal cuisine & rosé in downtown Dallas

dallas.culturemap.com

Tacos and rose at Hampton Social

A buzzy restaurant and bar from Chicago is set to make its downtown Dallas debut: The Hampton Social, famous for its "Rosé All Day" motif, is opening in the former Iron Cactus space at 1520 Main St., with a date set for March 20.

Hampton Social is from Parker Hospitality, the Chicago-based hospitality group founded by Brad Parker, and already has multiple locations in Illinois, Colorado, Florida, and Tennessee. Dallas wiill be the 13th but the first in Texas.

The space is a magnificently sprawling 17,224 square feet with four stories that include an expansive indoor, outdoor, and rooftop dining areas, including a 360-degree bar and The Hampton Social’s signature "Rosé All Day" neon sign.

Its goal is to summon the vibe of summer vacation in the Hamptons, with a coastal-inspired design, breezy open spaces, and blue-and-white décor. They'll also host daily live music performances.

Food
The Hampton Social will serve lunch and dinner daily, featuring a coastal-inspired menu. Highlights include:

Crab & Shrimp Bruschetta ($19.95)
Lobster Roll (MKT) served two ways—warm and buttery Manhattan-style or chilled and creamy Maine-style
Honey Glazed Salmon ($29.95), topped with a sweet honey-soy glaze, with sautéed greens, asparagus, and seafood salad

There is also meat: Double Smash Burger ($19.95), Steak Frites ($36.95), Braised Short Rib Over Polenta ($32.95), plus hand-tossed pizzas and pasta.

Brunch is Saturday-Sunday from 10 am-3 pm, with coastal-inspired brunch favorites including Wild Berry French Toast ($18.95); the Sunrise Beach Bowl ($18.95) with Greek yogurt, granola, tropical fruits, and coconut flake; and Fried Chicken Stack ($18.95), their spin on chicken & waffles but with fried chicken, an egg, and sausage gravy on thick-cut French toast.

Drinks
A beverage program led by Beverage Director Carla Lorenzo features a wine list with more than 20 rosé options and specialty cocktails including the signature Hampton Froseì ($15) made with Tito’s Vodka, rose and peach puree; and The Pink Reverie ($17) with vodka, guava, Aperol, a citrus blend and a pink cocktail cloud. Guests can also enjoy a menu of coffee, tea, red and white wine, local beers and zero-proof cocktails.

Members only club
This location will be the first to introduce the Hampton House, an exclusive members-only club that will open shortly after the restaurant’s debut. Designed for high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs, this private experience is for those seeking to immerse themselves even further in The Hampton Social lifestyle, to connect, unwind and enjoy a vibrant social scene. Membership is by invitation or application only.

“Our team is excited to bring The Hampton Social’s signature hospitality and vibrant atmosphere to the Dallas community,” said Brad Parker, Founder & CEO of Parker Hospitality. “Dallas has experienced incredible growth in recent years, evolving into a premier destination for dining, entertainment and culture, and we’re honored to introduce a space where guests can experience the coastal-inspired lifestyle The Hampton Social is known for. This new location on Main Street holds a special place in the fabric of the city, and we hope to create a vibrant, welcoming space that seamlessly blends into the energy and character of downtown Dallas while introducing something fresh and exciting. From our carefully curated menu to our signature cocktails and lively ambiance, we’re dedicated to offering quality, consistency and hospitality at a price that makes us an accessible go-to spot for Dallas locals and visitors alike.”

downtown openings