Chocolate News

Dallas bar famous for pop-ups unveils new one with Willy Wonka theme

The original Willy Wonka

Courtesy photo

A Dallas bar famous for its themed pop-ups is unveiling its latest: The Whippersnapper, at 1806 McMillan Ave. off Henderson Avenue, is about to transform into The Whippersnapper & The Booze Factory, a rather lengthily-titled tribute to the world of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.

According to a release, the pop-up will commence Thursday, January 18 and run through Saturday, March 2, celebrating the buzziest pop culture theme of the moment. We haven't seen a pop-culture theme like this since the big Barbie sweep of summer '23.

They promise themed delights, live melodies, and a tapestry of decorations that dance with the spirit of Wonka, as well as a staff donning looks that pay homage to the many faces and characters of Wonkas from the silver screen.

In preparation, The Whippersnapper will temporarily close its doors on Sunday, January 14.

“We’re eager to whisk our guests away to the “world of pure imagination” they fell in love with so many years ago - this time with a hint of grown-up indulgence that only The Whippersnapper can bring.” says Phil Schanbaum, co-founder of This and That Hospitality. “With the latest movie bringing a renewed love for such a longtime favorite, it felt natural that this would be the pop-up we used to kick off 2024.”

Expect an exterior mimicking colorful iterations of the famed chocolate factory, while inside, a kaleidoscope of colors and candies awaits, along with all of the photo-worthy moments.

They'll collaborate with Burger Schmurger, famed for Dallas' Best Burger, on an exclusive menu featuring creations like:

Pure Imagination' donut smash burger
Oompa Loompa nuggets
Snozzberry Fries

Whimsical cocktails will include the 'Golden Ticket', 'Wonka Vision', and a non-alchoholic 'Fizzy Lifting Drink' for those participating in Dry January.

After the roaring success of our 'Austin Powers', 'Game of Thrones', and 'Friends' pop-ups, we at The Whippersnapper, powered by This and That Hospitality, are eager to present another unforgettable escapade in the heart of Dallas.

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Supermarket News

Kroger readies debut of new mega-Marketplace format store in Plano

Kroger

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A very big supermarket is about to debut in Plano: Kroger will open a new Marketplace store in Plano at 9617 Coit Rd. with a grand opening on Friday, January 24.

Kroger Marketplace format stores are multi-department stores offering full-service grocery, pharmacy, and expanded general merchandise including outdoor products, electronics, home goods, apparel, and toys.

Marketplace stores typically range in size from 100,000 to 130,000 square feet and bring additional features that include:

Starbucks kiosk
Murray’s Cheese counter
fuel center featuring 18 fueling positions
grab & go kiosk with beverages and snacks
full-service grocery
produce, floral, meat, and seafood
pharmacy

Located at the southwest corner of the Sam Rayburn Tollway and Coit Road, this Plano store is a replacement of sorts for the location at 9700 Coit Rd. which will seamlessly close on January 23, the night before the new store opens.

The grocer recently celebrated the opening of its newest Marketplace store in Melissa in October — the first Kroger in Melissa.

These will be the first new-build Kroger stores in North Texas since 2019 when they opened a store in McKinney at 1801 North Lake Forest Dr.

They'll also open a second new Marketplace store in Fort Worth at the northeast corner of East Bonds Ranch Road and State Highway 287 later in the year.

Kroger has been serving North Texas for more than 65 years, and was a key player in transforming the liquor laws in Dallas and surrounding communities, paving the way for chains like Total Wine to expand to DFW — they're the reason we can all buy beer and wine in so many places. They currently operate more than 100 stores in North Texas and East Texas and more than 200 stores total throughout Texas.

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