The month of February definitely saw more restaurant closings than openings, with a few scheduled debuts pushed back to March.
A new Italian restaurant opened in Coppell (Maurizio's), while another one will be opening shortly in North Dallas (Ristorante Nicola). The masterminds behind Nandina and Jasmine opened up Naga Thai Kitchen and Bar, a traditional Thai restaurant in Victory Park. February was supposed to be filled with debuts, but places like Eatzi's and Kindal's pushed their scheduled openings to March.
Money seemed to be a big issue, like always, with a lot of Dallas restaurant closings. It apparently slipped Tom Tom Noodle House's mind to pay their state taxes, which led to the demise of the West Village hotspot. Chapman Chile Kitchen is taking a break while its handlers figure out a new plan of action for the restaurant, and Popolo's in North Dallas closed its doors due to a hike in their rent.
March looks promising with Neighborhood Services Tavern set to open, and popular franchises, Smashburger and Pinkberry, moving west and setting up shop in Arlington. The ever-growing organic food store, Whole Foods, will be opening up a new location off Park Lane on March 15.
We have the spring to look forward to with Eddie V's Prime Seafood birthing a new venue in the Oak Lawn neighborhood off Avondale and Twisted Root Burger Co. adding a fourth location off SMU Blvd. and Greenville Ave.
Openings
Maurizio's - a new Italian restaurant in Coppell.
Naga Thai Kitchen and Bar - a traditional Thai restaurant in Victory Park.
Closings
Keller Cactus Jack's - The restaurant closed its doors after 28 years in business, now the California-based Carl Jr.'s is leasing the property.
Tom Tom Noodle House - Taxes. Taxes.
Crush Wine Shop - The owner lost his lease, but has plans to open up shop at a new location.
Roaster's New York Deli - The sad story of a New York-style deli that didn't even make it to its first birthday.
Chapman Chile Kitchen- They're on hiatus for the time being and promise to open soon with a new space and menu.
Popolos- The bistro at Royal and Preston closed due to a hike in their rent. Sign of the times?
Coming Soon
Ristorante Nicola - sister restaurant to Plano's Nicola's Ristorante Italiano, opening soon at Preston Commons in North Dallas.
Kindal's- the Southern cuisine-inspired restaurant had plans to open in January, then February and now March 5.
Whole Foods - The new Whole Foods addition is scheduled to open March 15 off Park Lane
Neighborhood Services Tavern- Nick Badovinus, of Neighborhood Services, is planning his tavern in the old Soley spot in early March.
Smashburger- The famous burger joint will make its Arlington debut on March 10.
Pinkberry - The fro-yo shop will also be available to Arlington residents starting on March 11.
Eatzi's - The market and bakery was set to open on February 26, but it's looking like an additional two week before it opens at the Pavilion on Lovers Lane.
Kenny & Ziggy's - we received word last week that the Houston-based deli is in the middle of negotiations to lease a space in the Preston Corridor in the near future.
Burguesa Burgers - a third location is supposed to be opening soon in Irving, but still no set date.
Eddie V's - The seafood restaurant has plans to open up in mid-April in the Oak Lawn neighborhood.
Twisted Root- A fourth Twisted Root will be opening shortly at the intersection of SMU Blvd. and Greenville Ave.
