Lombardi Family Restaurants Annouce Newest Offspring: Cafe Des Artistes

Lots of changes for the Lombardi's this month. Last week we heard that the Screen Door was closing and Lombardi Family Restaurants would be taking over the space to open a bistro concept. This week the group released details about the new spot. Cafe Des Artistes will focus on a culinary mix of French and California flavors, according to the news release, and should be open in early October.

Earlier this July the restaurant group announced plans to shutter Cibus, the Italian restaurant in the NorthPark Center, and expand Taverna Pizzeria and Toulouse Café with new locations in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Fort Worth. The Uptown location of Taverna will also be relocating to Knox Street, just off the Katy Trail and next to Toulouse.

The Lombardi's join Zizikis as One Arts newcomers, who announced last week they'd be taking over the space that used to hold the Commissary, to open Meza, a small-plates restaurant and wine bar. The two newcomers join Fedora, Jorge's and Tei An and will compete to rake in dining dollars from concert goers in the evenings and office workers who have spurred a busy lunch scene.