Landis himself plans to try out student life. He has divested himself somewhat from the Texadelphia operation (which is now up to three Dallas units), and partner Brian Mitts has taken over. "The one thing I did negotiate was that I still get free meals," Landis says. The third founding partner in the operation, Mike Rossi, cashed out earlier. Landis says he's pinning his higher-educational hopes on the Dallas Theological Seminary. "I've been like Charlie Brown on Valentine's Day looking for that acceptance letter," he admits.
Perpetually suave front man Karim Alaoui has sauntered over to Lombardi Mare, where he has taken the reins as general manager. "They want to bring this restaurant up a notch from what it is," says Alaoui of Lombardi's Inc., the restaurant's parent. Alaoui has fronted many stylish Dallas venues, including Mediterraneo, the defunct Toscana, and Bistro A. His last foray was with Venus Steakhouse & Supper Club, where he was general manager for roughly six months before he jumped ship. "I was looking for something less clubbish," he says...Former Good Eats President Frank Barnard has joined Genghis Grill Mongolian grill restaurants as the company's new president. Founder Jeff Sinelli will bump himself up to CEO. There are two Genghis Grill locations in Dallas, and one is set to open next month in Fort Worth.