DALLAS — Read this story and more North Texas business news from our partners at the Dallas Business Journal
An Italian "family-casual" restaurant has snagged space in Dallas' Victory Park that used to be home to the WFAA television studio.
And a celebrity chef will run its kitchen.
According to an Aug. 7 announcement, Carla Pellegrino, as seen on television shows such as "Top Chef" and "Throwdown with Bobby Flay," will head up the new eatery expected to open in early 2025.
Located at 3030 Nowitzki Way, the restaurant will take over the former WFAA space, which spans 6,100 square feet and has been vacant since the station's departure in 2021. Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed by early 2025, according to the announcement.
Pellegrino said Victory Park is the "perfect spot" for the concept, joining an array of other dining concepts owner Asana Partners has brought in such as Hero, Black Tap Crafter Burgers and Bars, Mesero and more.
Although a restaurant name was not disclosed in the announcement, a state filing submitted in April shows it could be called Urban Italia. The filing listed the tenant as Sanjay Joshi and Tivona LLC. Joshi is the owner and CEO of the upcoming restaurant.
"We're excited to partner with Chef Carla to bring the Italian gastronomic experience to Dallas," Joshi said. "When I heard the old WFAA space was becoming available, I immediately knew that it was the perfect home for our new restaurant. With its high visibility in the bustling heart of Victory Park, it’s truly one of the most desirable locations in Dallas."
The Italian restaurant's menu will feature pizza, pasta, risotto and regional specialties.
Pellegrino and Joshi have partnered together before, CultureMap reported. The two opened Teatro Bistro and Cocktail Lounge in 2023 on Grapevine's Historic Main Street.
