Fishbowl Bellies Up

Sushi joint closes its doors

Comments (0) By Mark Stuertz Thursday, May 1 2003

Fishbowl, the Pan-Asian restaurant on Knox Street developed by Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, was shut down suddenly this past Tuesday night. Sources say retailer Pottery Barn, just two doors down the street, will sweep into the space or install a new retail concept where sushi and sake once trod, though neither Carlson nor San Francisco-based William Sonoma Inc., Pottery Barn's parent, would confirm the move. Fishbowl was opened in AquaKnox's lounge in an attempt to spark an adrenaline rush in the sagging upscale "global water cuisine" restaurant that Carlson snagged in 1998 from Star Canyon founders Stephan Pyles and Michael Cox. But Fishbowl's retro 1960s lunge at hipness did little to revive Aqua's fortunes, and AquaKnox morphed into zen den--under the Fishbowl umbrella--a concept that Emerging Brands creator Royce Ring secured the rights to and took with him when he exited Carlson. At least three Dallas-area restaurant operators made a play for Fishbowl after Carlson decided to dump its Emerging Brands division--which in addition to Fishbowl included Star Canyon, Timpano Italian Chop House, Mignon and Samba Room, among others--but were unable to reach terms. Sources say Carlson is actively negotiating with various other operators in an anxious effort to toss off Star Canyon, though the company says it is not yet close to a deal.

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Stephan Pyles

1807 Ross Ave.
Dallas, TX 75201

Category: Restaurant > Fusion

Region: Downtown & Deep Ellum

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