Restaurant Closures in Dallas
In a fast-paced city like Dallas, restaurants come and go all the time. Know of a Dallas restaurant closure that’s not on this list? Drop us a line at dallas@eater.com.
La Neta y Cocina Lounge
La Neta came in hot from Las Vegas, joining an ill-fated group of restaurants at the Epic in February 2023 with a promise to serve what it called “unapologetically Mexican” food to Dallas. I visited a few times, and although it was always full, the restaurant never seemed to be able to resolve its issues with both the front and back of house. During an interview with Eater Dallas in the summer of 2024, CEO and founder Ryan Labbe said that a sharp downturn in customers prompted a menu revamp, including hiring a new chef and almost entirely new front of house employees. That was not enough to get things going again, apparently. The restaurant closed early this month with little fanfare.
UnaVida
Chef Matt McCallister made the shift away from running kitchens day to day in 2023 to become executive chef of new concept development for the hospitality group Local Favorite, which owns El Fenix, Snuffers, Meso Maya, Twisted Root Burger Co., and more. In the last handful of years, the group has closed Jalisco Norte and Tulum, its two fine dining Mexican restaurants in Dallas. Now, it has shuttered UnaVida, its debut collaboration with McCallister, which will be replaced with another restaurant it owns, the Chinese food place WokStar. Local Favorite founder Mike Karns told the Dallas Morning News that McCallister will stay with the company, but did not comment on why UnaVida is flipping.
Hong Kong Restaurant
Hong Kong was more than a Chinese food restaurant on Garland Road; it was the city’s longest-running Chinese restaurant, in business for more than 60 years. It was opened in 1962 by co-founder Bill Pon, who, WFAA reports, immigrated to the U.S. in 1928, and went through several owners over the years. No reason was provided publicly for the closure.
Hypnotic Donuts
One of the region’s best doughnut shops closed at the end of May, after 12 years. It was well-known for its over-the-top doughnuts, including the signature Canadian Maple, which offered a full, crispy stick of bacon on top of an iced and glazed doughnut. The shop also served chicken and biscuits. In an Instagram post, the owners noted that it was “time to retire.”
Jia Asian Bistro
This sister restaurant to Jia Modern Chinese in the Pari Cities has closed and been replaced with Mei Asian Cuisine, which serves Chinese and Thai food, plus sushi. According to the website, the restaurant has been renamed; it is unclear if there are new owners. Jia opened in 2022.
Hugos Invitados
There is no more Mexican food coming from the kitchen of this restaurant in Las Colinas after it was unexpectedly locked out by the building’s landlord, according to a report in CultureMap Dallas. Spokesperson Matt Whiteley said the restaurant was in negotiations with the property owners when the owners opted to terminate the lease and lock the doors just before Mother’s Day. This was the original Hugos location. It will not be reopening.
Bangkok at Greenville
After 30 years, the owners of this spot have decided to close. In a press release, they attributed the decision to “rising operational costs and a desire to spend more time with their aging parents.” Its last day of service will be on June 30, so there is still time for one last visit for drunken noodles and coconut soup.
Cru Food and Wine Bar
The Allen outpost of this local mini-chain closed after 16 years. It was founded by
Patrick Colombo, CEO of Restaurant Works, which also owns Nick and Sam’s and Princi Italia. Speaking to CultureMap Dallas, Colombo attributed the decision to close to an inability to come to terms on a new lease with the landlord at its Watters Creek location.
Rahr Brewing
Another brewery bites the dust: This Fort Worth beer maker closed after 20 years in business on May 17. In an Instagram post, the brewery noted, “This space has seen our growth, our challenges, our triumphs, and everything in between.” It will seek a new base of operations.
Vida Cafe
Vegan food spot Vida Cafe closed after two years. Chef-owner Belen Hernandez announced the closure of the Fort Worth cafe on Facebook. “It’s time for us to step into a new door and conquer all the new opportunities coming our way,” Hernandez wrote.
Lili’s Bistro
This beloved bistro on Magnolia Avenue in Fort Worth will close its doors on May 31. Owner Vince Martin has shared several posts about the closure on Facebook, including an announcement that he made the decision so he can retire. He also revealed that he is in talks to sell the restaurant to potential buyers who may or may not operate it under the same name. No decisions had been announced at press time.
Fitzgerald
Chef Ben Merritt announced on Facebook that this Fort Worth restaurant is closed after three years. Merritt “will be stepping away from the restaurant industry for a bit to take a well-earned break and spend more time with his family.” The final day of service will be on June 7.
Rocks and Brews
Backing from Kiss band members Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley wasn’t enough to keep the location of their chain restaurant at the Grandscape in The Colony alive. It will close on June 1, per a report in CultureMap Dallas. Fans can still get their fix at the location in Grapevine.
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Conclusion
The Dallas restaurant scene is constantly evolving, with new establishments opening and others closing. The closures listed above are a testament to the challenges that restaurants face in the city. Despite the setbacks, the city remains a hub for foodies, with a diverse range of options available to suit every taste and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to La Neta y Cocina Lounge?
A: La Neta y Cocina Lounge closed due to issues with both the front and back of house, despite a menu revamp and new staff.
Q: Why did UnaVida close?
A: UnaVida closed and will be replaced by WokStar, another restaurant owned by the same hospitality group, Local Favorite.
Q: How long was Hong Kong Restaurant in business?
A: Hong Kong Restaurant was in business for over 60 years, making it the city’s longest-running Chinese restaurant.
Q: What was Hypnotic Donuts known for?
A: Hypnotic Donuts was known for its over-the-top doughnuts, including the signature Canadian Maple with a full, crispy stick of bacon on top.
Q: Why did Bangkok at Greenville close?
A: Bangkok at Greenville closed due to rising operational costs and the owners’ desire to spend more time with their aging parents.
