DALLAS, Texas — A new restaurant in Victory Park is bringing excitement and people to the area. It’s called the 9Nine Kitchen & Lounge which opened in June.
It now occupies the old location where the Hard Rock Café sat until it closed.
The owner of this new spot is four-time NFL Pro Bowler Matthew Judon of the New England Patriots.
"Football is a springboard for so many other ventures that I can get into," Judon said. "We’re just bringing good food, good experience, and great vibes."
Judon said he started the restaurant because food brings everyone together regardless of their background.
And he said he picked the location in Dallas’ Victory Park for a specific reason: Judon said he saw how the 9Nine Kitchen & Lounge could grow along with the neighborhood.
Over the years restaurants and bars have come and gone in the Victory Park area. If you drive in the area, you’ll notice several “for rent” signs on buildings.
“It's just been that if you're reliant so much on the American Airlines Center, and your business if there's nothing going on there and no other reason for people to come,” said Emily Williams Knight, with the Texas Restaurant Association.
She said her organization is working to revive the area and make sure new businesses have sustainability along with the around 30 eating and drinking spots currently in Victory Park.
"Do we have enough parking in order to sustain that as a restaurant or entertainment destination?" Knight said. "I think that's going to be the key to the long-term sustainability."
Judon said he plans to stay at this location for many years to come, describing Dallas is the perfect spot to grow a business like this.
“This is the first of many,” Judon said.
9Nine Kitchen & Lounge is open Wednesday through Sunday, and closed on Monday and Tuesday.