Fort Worth is about 31 miles west of Dallas. The local dining sector experienced notable transitions during June, characterized by the departure of several established venues and the arrival of new business concepts.
Several well-known spots ended their operations. On The Border shut down all company-owned locations on June 12, concluding a 44-year presence in North Texas, though franchise locations in other states and South Korea continue to operate independently. Gauchos Brazilian Steakhouse is reportedly moving into the former On The Border site at 6536 Northwest Loop 820 Freeway in Lake Worth as an independent business. Fixe Southern House in Clearfork also closed permanently on June 11 after eight years, with owner Keith House providing no specific reason for the shutdown, while the flagship Fixe in Austin remains open. Leaves Bakery and Books will close on August 15 after years of operating on West Magnolia Avenue. La Playa Maya Stockyards on North Main Street is scheduled to close on July 5, ending its tenure at the 1913 red-orange brick landmark, although three other La Playa Maya locations remain open. Ribbee’s BBQ closed on June 21 after losing its lease, with owner Jonny White preparing to open a Goldee’s-style barbecue restaurant called Kirbee’s in Brooklyn this fall.
Conversely, new and updated concepts are entering the market. Barry Bagels signed a 30-unit franchising deal for Texas, with the first location opening in Aledo at 10303 E. Bankhead Highway by the start of the 2026-27 school year. Dirdie Birdie, a miniature golf course and restaurant, opened on July 8 in the former Bottled Blonde building in the West 7th area, featuring 12 Fort Worth-themed holes and an elevated brunch menu. Emma and Travis Heim, who retired from barbecue last year, opened One Trick Pony Pizza Tavern at 313 S. Main Street, serving Chicago-tavern style pizzas, homemade pastas, and craft cocktails. Sunrise Scones, a new brick-and-mortar bakery by self-taught baker Gretchen Seegel, opened at 309 W. Daggett Ave. in South Main Village.
Existing restaurants also announced updates. El Sombrero and its sister restaurant Arizola’s now serve weekend breakfast starting at 8 a.m., featuring enchiladas with eggs, chilaquiles, pancakes, and breakfast tacos. Chef Michael Riemenschneider, who trained under Gordon Ramsay and worked at Michelin-recognized restaurants in England and Germany, has moved to Texas to consult on upgrades at Beren Meze and Grill, with owner Çaglar Unlu aiming for a Michelin Guide listing. The Botanic Garden Cafe in the Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Rock Springs building will close on June 30 and reopen in fall as Flora House under Westland Hospitality, with chef Juan Rodriguez designing a new menu and interior. Piattello Italian Kitchen is relocating from Waterside Shopping Center to The Shops at Clearfork, with a target opening in November and expanded lunch and dinner hours from Fort Worth chef Marcus Paslay. The Sour Boule announced a second location in Willow Park, with an expanded menu including items not offered at the original Fort Worth sourdough bakery. Sam Won Gardens has reopened as Sam Won Korean Cuisine under new owners at 5201 McCart Ave. after the Chung family retired last October, with a similar menu at higher prices. Tommy’s Hamburgers is reopening its Camp Bowie Boulevard location after a May 2025 roof fire, with a full remodel and new menu items including a kimchi burger, Impossible Burger, and wine margaritas.
