DALLAS — Read this story and more North Texas business news from our partners at the Dallas Business Journal
This year was an exciting time for the restaurant and entertainment space in North Texas, with concepts such as Crown Block, Meow Wolf and the Omni PGA Frisco Resort opening to the public.
And let’s not forget about the Texas Rangers becoming World Series champions.
But there’s also plenty of anticipation for openings in 2024 including a surfing beer garden, a Peppa Pig Theme Park and more.
As we ring in the new year, take a look at the up-and-coming concepts slated to open in Dallas-Fort Worth in the coming months. It's not an exhaustive list, but it highlights how the food and beverage scene is evolving in the region.
The following restaurant openings are listed in alphabetical order by name.
Las Vegas Drai’s Beachclub, Nightclub and After Hours
From the Las Vegas Strip to Dallas' Arts District comes an entertainment triple threat.
Las Vegas Drai’s Beachclub, Nightclub and After Hours will be a restaurant, lounge and exclusive membership club for Dallas residents in late 2024.
"Dallas is the natural expansion for the Drai's brand with the city's thriving culture and energetic atmosphere,” stated Dustin Drai, president of Drai’s Management Group. “We are excited to be a part of the robust hospitality industry in the city, as we bring a new concept seamlessly integrating mixology, entertainment and design.”
Portillo’s
After an explosive debut in The Colony in 2023, Chicago-based restaurant Portillo’s is expected to open its next location in Mansfield in 2024.
Additional state filings have shown that Portillo's plans to add new spots in North Fort Worth, Arlington and Allen.
Soy Cowboy
Soy Cowboy, the signature restaurant for Loews Hotel Arlington, is expected to open in February.
The restaurant will occupy 10,716 square feet of interior space and feature an exterior dining terrace, supported by a menu exploring pan-Asian cuisine.
The restaurant concept comes from Houston-based restauranteur Benjamin Berg, CEO of Berg Hospitality, who established B&B Butchers and Restaurant in Fort Worth in 2018.
“We are very excited to open Soy Cowboy in the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center because it is next to the most exciting sports and entertainment complex in Texas, if not nationally,” Berg said.
Steak and Ale
Steak and Ale makes its comeback with its first location in Grand Prairie after going bankrupt in 2008. The chain was founded by Norman Brinker, the restauranteur who also launched Chili’s.
An opening date was not disclosed but the restaurant is expected to open sometime in 2024.
Chicken N Pickle
The new Chicken N Pickle in Allen will span 43,000 square feet and is expected to include a two-story restaurant, a single-story pickleball court building and outdoor pickleball courts. Construction will complete in September 2024.
Cosm
Los Angeles-based immersive technology firm Cosm plans to open its entertainment venue at Grandscape in The Colony in late summer.
Spanning 65,000 square feet with an estimated cost of $42.5 million, the venue promises to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience for digitally immersive and entertainment content and will have a capacity of 1,500 guests.
Goodsurf Dallas
High 5 Entertainment
Hailing from Austin, High 5 Entertainment expects to open its first North Texas location at The Farm in Allen in 2024.
The venue will occupy more than three acres and 41,774 square feet. High 5 will feature an additional 25,000-square-foot landscaped minigolf course, a 24-lane bowling alley, a two-story laser tag arena, axe-throwing and escape rooms.
Peppa Pig Theme Park
Dallas-Fort Worth will become the site of North America’s second Peppa Pig Theme Park in 2024. Expect to find rides, interactive attractions, themed playscapes and shows for children in preschool.
In addition to the Peppa Pig Theme Park, a Universal Studios is heading to Frisco, but this won’t happen for a few years.
PopStroke
Florida-based PopStroke, a bar and restaurant with putting courses designed by Tiger Woods, is set to open its second Texas location at the Grandscape in The Colony in February.
PopStroke at the Grandscape will have 37 outdoor mini-golf holes, an outdoor playground area, and food and drink service. The concept will occupy 13,000 square feet within the Grandscape development.
Joe V’s Smart Shop
In addition to H-E-B’s big debut in North Texas, Joe V’s Smart Shop is right behind.
With groundbreaking set for Dec. 20 and opening expected in late summer at 101 W. Wheatland Road, Joe V’s Smart Shop will offer a curated assortment of fresh produce and H-E-B products.
PBR World Finals
In May, the 2024 Professional Bull Riders World Finals will be held at AT&T Stadium with opening rounds held at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.
U.S. Gymnastics Championships
From May 30 to June 2, the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships will be held at Dickies Arena, before the crowned champions compete in the U.S. Olympic team trials in Minneapolis.
Both competitions will be held before the 2024 Paris Olympics, set to begin in late July.