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Downtown Chili's To Close


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#1 John T Roberts

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Posted 12 January 2009 - 06:00 PM

Channel 5 reports that in addition to La Madeleine and the Pour House, the Downtown Chili's will close on January 26th. The downturn in the economy is really starting to show. The report states that most patrons were surprised. In addition to the recent closings, the Bennigan's space at 5th and Houston has been vacant for quite some time.

Here's a link to the story:
http://www.nbcdfw.co...r-Location.html

#2 bhudson

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Posted 12 January 2009 - 06:57 PM

As an occasional patron by way of my downtown "lunch" group, the Chili's won't be missed. Just like Bennigan's isn't missed (Pour House is already greatly missed, even when they reopen down W 7th, it will require taking a car from DT for lunch so I won't go as often). I'm not too worried about losing the chain restaurants, they'll always pop back up when times are rocking... or perhaps instead a Fridays, or a Hooters. It's the more local non-franchise/non-chain operators that I'm worried about. If they don't make it past the downturn, they're maybe gone for good.

The last couple of times I've walked past the SoDo Grill at lunch, they looked closed (this may have already been mentioned). They had a pretty good sandwich selection, and I liked that you could get a pretty good salad instead of chips. If they are in fact, closed, that's too bad. They had good sandwiches, they just never quite got going.

#3 txsloth

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Posted 12 January 2009 - 07:07 PM

QUOTE (bhudson @ Jan 12 2009, 06:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's the more local non-franchise/non-chain operators that I'm worried about. If they don't make it past the downturn, they're maybe gone for good.

The last couple times we tried to eat dinner at Tommy's on W. 7th they were closed. Drove by Lanny's Saturday night and it looked deserted.

#4 John T Roberts

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Posted 12 January 2009 - 09:11 PM

I am not a "national chain" fan, either. I would say that almost every time that I eat out, I go to a local restaurant. Every once in a while, I will eat at a chain if I am with a large group, or I'm in a hurry and I have to eat fast food (yuk). However, in posting on this forum I will start a thread regarding the chains either opening or closing locations.

Yes, I do really worry about the local restaurants. If the SoDo Grill is closed, I will really miss it. I always enjoyed lunches there and the sandwiches were really tasty.

#5 mnmassie

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Posted 12 January 2009 - 10:54 PM

Last I heard, SoDo was still open. Or at least I saw some advertisement that they were late night. Presumably to catch the Bent crowd when the bar closed. (Always wondered why they never did that to begin with.)

#6 JKC

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 07:43 AM

QUOTE (John T Roberts @ Jan 12 2009, 08:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Channel 5 reports that in addition to La Madeleine and the Pour House, the Downtown Chili's will close on January 26th. The downturn in the economy is really starting to show. The report states that most patrons were surprised. In addition to the recent closings, the Bennigan's space at 5th and Houston has been vacant for quite some time.

Here's a link to the story:
http://www.nbcdfw.co...r-Location.html


I don't know about Chili's but the other two were not due to the economy.


#7 Recyclican

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 09:17 AM

QUOTE (mnmassie @ Jan 12 2009, 10:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Last I heard, SoDo was still open. Or at least I saw some advertisement that they were late night. Presumably to catch the Bent crowd when the bar closed. (Always wondered why they never did that to begin with.)


That's great to hear that they're still open, I sure do miss those monster tacos. When I first found out about the place I had inquired why they were not open late to cater to the Bent / Bar-9 crowd; it's good to hear they're able to pick up extra business that way.

#8 mnmassie

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 09:44 AM

QUOTE (Recyclican @ Jan 13 2009, 09:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's great to hear that they're still open, I sure do miss those monster tacos. When I first found out about the place I had inquired why they were not open late to cater to the Bent / Bar-9 crowd; it's good to hear they're able to pick up extra business that way.



I know I was surprised they didn't stay open late when they first opened. Especially since it's the same owner as Bent. That just seemed the perfect fit. I'm glad they finally started doing it.

#9 jefffwd

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 09:55 AM

Is this the beginning of the end of Downtown? cry.gif Bennigan's, Pour House, La Madeleine and now Chili's? Is Texas de Brazil still open? It looked closed last time I drove by. Who is next to go? Ferre, Taverna, PF Chang, Mi Cocina? shakehead.gif I know there are those who dislike chains but I think Buffalo Wild Wings or Dukes Original Roadhouse would do well in either the Bennigan's or Chili's space...

#10 Fort Worthology

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 10:06 AM

QUOTE (jefffwd @ Jan 13 2009, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is this the beginning of the end of Downtown?


No. A crappy chain closed because of their parent company, an average bar is being kicked out for likely development reasons, a decent chain closed, and now another crappy chain closed. Meanwhile we opened a high-end local restaurant and added more big name chains in the form of Ruth's Chris and Simply Fondue, and Sundance Square restaurant sales were still up. I would bet that Chili's being on the way out is more an indication of woes at Brinker than woes in downtown Fort Worth.

In the end, this is just the evolution of downtown Fort Worth. There will be plenty of shakeups to come, everywhere, because of the world situation, but downtown Fort Worth will evolve with the times. Perhaps we'll start to see the birth of more local fare in the place of the big chains. Or perhaps restaurants won't be what takes their place.

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#11 jefffwd

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 10:24 AM

QUOTE (Atomic Glee @ Jan 13 2009, 12:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jefffwd @ Jan 13 2009, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is this the beginning of the end of Downtown?


No. A crappy chain closed because of their parent company, an average bar is being kicked out for likely development reasons, a decent chain closed, and now another crappy chain closed. Meanwhile we opened a high-end local restaurant and added more big name chains in the form of Ruth's Chris and Simply Fondue, and Sundance Square restaurant sales were still up. I would bet that Chili's being on the way out is more an indication of woes at Brinker than woes in downtown Fort Worth.

In the end, this is just the evolution of downtown Fort Worth. There will be plenty of shakeups to come, everywhere, because of the world situation, but downtown Fort Worth will evolve with the times. Perhaps we'll start to see the birth of more local fare in the place of the big chains. Or perhaps restaurants won't be what takes their place.


I guess you are correct... That was just my initial "knee jerk" reaction. After I thought about what I posted I remembered newcomers such as Grace, Ruth's Chris, Simply Fondue, The Vault, Shula's and Bob's Steak and Chop House. Does that open this weekend? So, no, the sky is not falling.

#12 McHand

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 11:09 AM

I told my cousin who works at Grace about Chili's closing. He said, "Wow, now Mi Cocina is going to be slammed". (He also works at Mi Cocina, so ca-ching for him, I guess).

Chili's works for the suburbs. I am excited to see far fewer chains downtown (even though I know Mi Cocina is).

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#13 angie013

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 11:27 AM

QUOTE (jefffwd @ Jan 13 2009, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is this the beginning of the end of Downtown? cry.gif Bennigan's, Pour House, La Madeleine and now Chili's? Is Texas de Brazil still open? It looked closed last time I drove by. Who is next to go? Ferre, Taverna, PF Chang, Mi Cocina? shakehead.gif I know there are those who dislike chains but I think Buffalo Wild Wings or Dukes Original Roadhouse would do well in either the Bennigan's or Chili's space...



Buffalo Wild Wings would be great and I think it would do really well.

#14 Now in Denton

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 11:53 AM

I also am not a big fan of chain restaurnts. But I do like Subway and they seem to do a lot better at City Place. And Quiznos closed for a while then reopened?

#15 jefffwd

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 12:00 PM

QUOTE (angie013 @ Jan 13 2009, 01:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jefffwd @ Jan 13 2009, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is this the beginning of the end of Downtown? cry.gif Bennigan's, Pour House, La Madeleine and now Chili's? Is Texas de Brazil still open? It looked closed last time I drove by. Who is next to go? Ferre, Taverna, PF Chang, Mi Cocina? shakehead.gif I know there are those who dislike chains but I think Buffalo Wild Wings or Dukes Original Roadhouse would do well in either the Bennigan's or Chili's space...



Buffalo Wild Wings would be great and I think it would do really well.


BWW would do well in the Fox & Hound space but i don't think F&H is going anywhere. how about the Pour House in the Chili's space???

#16 John T Roberts

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 12:50 PM

I went a little overboard on my comments as well by generalizing things. Sometimes I do that when I get in a hurry. I'm was fully aware of the reasons behind the closings, but failed to acknowledge those reasons. Atomic is correct, this is all a part of the evolution of downtown.

#17 Keller Pirate

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 04:13 PM

I too believe these closings are part of an evolution, but it does seem odd that the lower cost places are leaving and the high price places are surviving, for the time being. Some optimistic person always comes along to take up a vacant space.

Today's Wall Street Journal had a story about the recession arriving in Texas. Projections are for a loss of 110,000 jobs in the next six months. State revenues, from all sources, are expected to decline $9 billion or 10.5% over the next 2 years.

Sales tax revenue, however, is expected to rise by 2.9%. People are still spending, because foreclosures haven't been as bad as elsewhere, so they said.


#18 Recyclican

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Posted 13 January 2009 - 09:15 PM

I am going to miss that huge chili pepper awning, terribly unique to that location, and terribly awesome!

#19 jefffwd

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Posted 14 January 2009 - 09:57 AM

Where, oh where will we go now to get our Chili's fix when the Sundance Square Chili's closes? rolleyes.gif

University-Chili's
1540 S University Dr
Ft Worth, TX 76107-6527

Hulen-Chili's
5288 S Hulen Dr
Ft Worth, TX 76132-1912

Ridgmar-Chili's
2528 Green Oaks Road
Ft Worth, TX 76116-1724

SW Arlington-Chili's
5010 Highway 287
Arlington, TX 76017

Lake Worth-Chili's
6536 Lake Worth Blvd
Lake Worth, TX 76135-3002

Fossil Creek-Chili's
6350 North Freeway
Ft Worth, TX 76137-2922

Clifford and 820-Chili's
300 Clifford Center Drive
Ft. Worth, TX 76108

N Richland Hills-Chili's
8000 Bedford Euless Rd
North Richland Hills, TX 76180-7162

Burleson-Chili's
13311 South Frwy
Burleson, TX 76028

Watauga-Chili's
8008 Denton Hwy
Watauga, TX 76148-2464

N Arlington-Chili's
924 Copeland Rd
Arlington, TX 76011-4944

Bedford-Chili's
2400A Airport Frwy
Bedford, TX 76022-6024

Mansfield-Chili's
1751 Highway 287 N
Mansfield, TX 76063-4815

Tarrant Pkwy-Chili's
8485 Davis Blvd
North Richland Hills, TX 76180-1604

Glade-Chili's
2810 Hwy 121
Euless, TX 76039-4074

Grapevine-Chili's
800 W State Hwy 114
Grapevine, TX 76051

#20 Fort Worthology

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Posted 14 January 2009 - 10:13 AM

Really, I'm kinda glad Chili's is on the way out. A little less "Everyplace, USA" for Downtown is a good thing in the end.

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#21 JKC

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Posted 14 January 2009 - 11:24 AM

I must say my loyalty to Chili's declined way back with the loss of the Rojo Burger (yes I'm old). More recently, I quit completely with the removal of the fried cheese from the menu. I do miss the fried cheese and ranch dressing. I may be healthier without it, but I do miss it.

#22 jefffwd

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Posted 14 January 2009 - 11:51 AM

Two longtime downtown Fort Worth eateries are closing their doors
By SANDRA BAKERsabaker@star-telegram.com

La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe and Chili’s Grill & Bar, which opened locations in downtown Fort Worth within months of each other about a decade ago, are closing those locations within days of each other.

La Madeleine, 305 Main St., confirmed Tuesday that its last day will be Monday, while Chili’s, 515 Main St., is closing by Jan. 25, its landlord said.

"Our lease was up, and we took a look at the location and decided it wasn’t a financially viable location," said Stephanie Long, brand-marketing manager for La Madeleine, based in Dallas. "I know there’s a strong following at that store, and we hate to disappoint those customers."

La Madeleine is not closing any other of its 21 Dallas-Fort Worth locations, she said.

Officials at Dallas-based Brinker International, Chili’s parent company, issued a statement Tuesday saying the restaurant will close by Jan. 26.

"Brinker constantly reviews the performance of its restaurants and from time to time will make the tough decision to close a restaurant based on evaluative criteria, including but not limited solely to sales figures," the statement said. "We are very grateful to the loyal guests who have visited this location over the years."

Mark Thomas, owner of the building where Chili’s is located, said he has been told by the company that it will start clearing the space Jan. 26.

Thomas said he spoke with Chili’s officials about a week ago, informing them that they were a couple of months late in renewing their lease. The renewal period was for five years, he said.

"They called back and said they were not going to renew the lease," Thomas said. "I don’t know why they’re closing. I think they were doing fine. I know they did well during the day."

Thomas said he has already spoken with a bank, three local restaurant operations and a Dallas restaurant company interested in the location.

"I’m going to be patient, but things are moving very fast," Thomas said.

Chili’s opened in 1999, taking over a spot vacated by China Inn. La Madeleine opened in 1998. Its lease expired a year ago, but its landlord, Sundance Square, allowed it to stay and had wanted to work out a lease. Sundance officials said they have an interested party for the Main Street location.

Despite the closings, the downtown entertainment district’s 20 restaurants are on solid ground, officials said.

Sales of full-service restaurants in downtown in the second quarter of 2008, the latest period for which figures are available, were $23.5 million, 13 percent more than a year earlier, when sales were $20.8 million, according to Downtown Fort Worth Inc.

Moreover, on average, restaurants in Sundance Square are performing at better than $500 a square foot, and in November, sales at full-service restaurants increased 4.5 percent from a year earlier, Sundance said.

Piranha Killer Sushi, which opened about three years ago on Third Street, generates the highest sales per square foot of all Sundance Square restaurants, officials said.

"We believe Sundance Square’s restaurants will continue to outpace their competitors in 2009," said Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square’s president and chief executive. "We have a strong lineup of establishments with proven records. We hope 2009 will also bring one or two new concepts into the development."

Simply Fondue recently opened in Sundance Square’s Woolworth Building and Daddy Jack’s seafood restaurant, in Sundance Square since 2000, has renewed its lease.

Restaurant operators nationwide say they are having a tough time. Fewer restaurants are seeing same-store gains, and predictions are that restaurant sales this year will remain roughly flat, according to the National Restaurant Association.

Bennigan’s closed its downtown Fort Worth restaurant in July. Downtown, though, has seen the opening of some high-end restaurants in recent months, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Grace and Shula’s 347 Grill. Bob’s Steak & Chop House will open by month’s end in the new Omni Fort Worth hotel.

Staff writer Bob Cox contributed to this report.



#23 walton91

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Posted 14 January 2009 - 07:57 PM

QUOTE
BWW would do well in the Fox & Hound space but i don't think F&H is going anywhere. how about the Pour House in the Chili's space???


I remember reading that the Pour House had looked at going into the Bennigan's space but couldn't work it out. I saw on Atomic's blog that they signed a lease on West 7th. I have no idea what the time frame for them to re-open is though. Hopefully when they re-open they will again have draft beers and some proper glass pint glasses. I hated those plastic ones.


#24 mnmassie

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Posted 14 January 2009 - 10:03 PM

QUOTE (walton91 @ Jan 14 2009, 07:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
BWW would do well in the Fox & Hound space but i don't think F&H is going anywhere. how about the Pour House in the Chili's space???


I remember reading that the Pour House had looked at going into the Bennigan's space but couldn't work it out. I saw on Atomic's blog that they signed a lease on West 7th. I have no idea what the time frame for them to re-open is though. Hopefully when they re-open they will again have draft beers and some proper glass pint glasses. I hated those plastic ones.


If I remember correctly, I read that target reopen date is June.

#25 jefffwd

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Posted 15 January 2009 - 07:22 AM

Correct. And if I remember correctly the landlord for the Bennigan's space said they were talking to national chains to fill that space. TGI Friday's anyone? I remeber a while back they were wanting the 8.0 space... Glad that didn't happen! mellow.gif

#26 Now in Denton

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Posted 15 January 2009 - 11:46 AM

I may be wrong but I think La Madeleine was open before 1998? I think I bought some bread thier way back around 1992?

#27 mnmassie

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Posted 15 January 2009 - 01:55 PM

QUOTE (Now in Denton @ Jan 15 2009, 11:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I may be wrong but I think La Madeleine was open before 1998? I think I bought some bread thier way back around 1992?


I worked in downtown in '96 and it wasn't there yet. There still wasn't that much happening in downtown in '92.

#28 JKC

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Posted 15 January 2009 - 03:13 PM

QUOTE (jefffwd @ Jan 15 2009, 09:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Correct. And if I remember correctly the landlord for the Bennigan's space said they were talking to national chains to fill that space. TGI Friday's anyone? I remeber a while back they were wanting the 8.0 space... Glad that didn't happen! mellow.gif


I bet you're safe.

#29 David Love

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Posted 18 January 2009 - 01:38 PM

What Chain Restaurants Do You Think Will Close Due to Bad Economy?, Economists say more to follow Bennigan's and Steak & Ale


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#30 Fort Worthology

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Posted 21 January 2009 - 10:33 AM

I've got some word on what might be filling the Chili's space:

http://fortwortholog...l-chilis-space/

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#31 McHand

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Posted 21 January 2009 - 12:52 PM

QUOTE (Atomic Glee @ Jan 21 2009, 11:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've got some word on what might be filling the Chili's space:

http://fortwortholog...l-chilis-space/


Wow, the place is just announced and already there are skeptics.
But I'm with Steph, any place with a veggie burger and draft root beer is worth checking out. smile.gif

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#32 jefffwd

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Posted 21 January 2009 - 12:55 PM

QUOTE (Atomic Glee @ Jan 21 2009, 12:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've got some word on what might be filling the Chili's space:

http://fortwortholog...l-chilis-space/


Jake's rawks! I love the one on McKinney!!


#33 rsowell73

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Posted 22 January 2009 - 12:35 PM

I wish we had a Fadi's in Fort Worth. I'm not too excited about another hamburger joint.

#34 urbancowboy

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Posted 22 January 2009 - 03:51 PM

Will there ever be further expansion of retail, dining, and entertainment option beyond sundace square? Downtown has a lot of underutilized space (parking lot) that could really support some new development. I think its great that we have so many options coming online on the west side but isnt it time for more retail especially in the CBD. Think about the Lancaster and the area around the train stations.

#35 tjh1

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Posted 22 January 2009 - 08:16 PM

^^^^I agree. Life in downtown needs to break beyond the borders of sundance square. You are right in that there is way to much underutilized space in downtown in the form of surface parking lots. Downtown Austin has nowhere near the amount of surface parking lots that Downtown FW has.

#36 cberen1

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Posted 23 January 2009 - 08:38 AM

QUOTE (urbancowboy @ Jan 22 2009, 05:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Will there ever be further expansion of retail, dining, and entertainment option beyond sundace square? Downtown has a lot of underutilized space (parking lot) that could really support some new development. I think its great that we have so many options coming online on the west side but isnt it time for more retail especially in the CBD. Think about the Lancaster and the area around the train stations.


I don't want to over simplify the issue, but a lot of retail downtown kind of implies having to walk long distances with your purchases. As has often been lamented here, we're a lazy, no walking crowd in general, especially not with stuff in our arms.

I think there's still a lot of opportunity for expanded entertainment, less so for dining and boozing (for now).

The best parking lot available to draw people further south, IMO, is the lot next to Fox and Hound.

#37 JBB

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Posted 23 January 2009 - 11:02 AM

I think we have seen some modest expansion of dining and entertainment outside of SS in recent years: Embargo, Grace, Ruth's Chris, Bob's (opening soon), Shula's. Given the fact that: 1. Lancaster still looked like a war zone a year ago, 2. there is now 1 new and 1 reopened hotel, both of which weren't there 6 months ago, and 3. the economy is in the crapper, we're going to have to give the southern end of downtown some time. A lot of people imagined that the freeway overhead was going to disappear and development would happen overnight in that area. It's more than obvious that patience is going to be required.

#38 cberen1

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Posted 23 January 2009 - 01:15 PM

QUOTE (JBB @ Jan 23 2009, 01:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think we have seen some modest expansion of dining and entertainment outside of SS in recent years: Embargo, Grace, Ruth's Chris, Bob's (opening soon), Shula's. Given the fact that: 1. Lancaster still looked like a war zone a year ago, 2. there is now 1 new and 1 reopened hotel, both of which weren't there 6 months ago, and 3. the economy is in the crapper, we're going to have to give the southern end of downtown some time. A lot of people imagined that the freeway overhead was going to disappear and development would happen overnight in that area. It's more than obvious that patience is going to be required.


Not to disagree, but some of these were already open in some fashion. Ruth's Chris had been the Cactus somethingorother, Embargo had been the Pig & Whistle, Shula's had been something else (I think). But these are outstanding upgrades.

Very happy about Grace, Bob's, etc. Dining has definitely improved downtown.

#39 urbancowboy

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Posted 23 January 2009 - 03:49 PM

It just seems like there would at least be more in the way of retail as well. I mean at least "The Gap" or something. What was the story with Sak's possibly moving downtown in the 90's and opting for NE Mall? Was this true? When the economy gets better will downtown have a retail/entertainment boom? I think some sort of Dave and Buster's would be great downtown or some home grown version. Lancaster would be a great street for retail.

#40 cberen1

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Posted 23 January 2009 - 03:54 PM

QUOTE (urbancowboy @ Jan 23 2009, 05:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It just seems like there would at least be more in the way of retail as well. I mean at least "The Gap" or something. What was the story with Sak's possibly moving downtown in the 90's and opting for NE Mall? Was this true? When the economy gets better will downtown have a retail/entertainment boom? I think some sort of Dave and Buster's would be great downtown or some home grown version. Lancaster would be a great street for retail.


Until there is a critical mass of residents downtown, it's going to be tough to support anything other than specialty retail, or convenience retail.

#41 Fort Worthology

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Posted 23 January 2009 - 03:56 PM

There's enough mass now for the right kind of grocery store.

--

Kara B.

 


#42 JBB

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Posted 23 January 2009 - 04:16 PM

I never thought the Sak's speculation was anything but unsubstantiated rumor, but maybe somebody with more insider knowledge than me can enlighten us. That rumor was circulating when downtown still had something that resembled a mall that was relative easy to access by car. Circumstances have changed a bit since then.

I think something like Dave and Busters or Main Event would be great addition as far as drawing people into downtown that might not otherwise visit on a semi-regular basis. The fact that all of the locations for those types of businesses in this area are in the suburbs or in suburban-style settings tells me that there's something about their business model that might make it hard for them to survive in a downtown setting.

#43 jefffwd

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Posted 24 January 2009 - 09:51 AM

It is confirmed... Jake's is heading to Sundance Square!

http://www.pegasusne...-become-branch/ cheeburga.gif

#44 jefffwd

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Posted 27 January 2009 - 08:23 AM

Also saw in the Star-Telegram today that Jake's is going before the Downtown Design Review Board next week to request permissin to add a balcony... Wonder what that will look like?

How do you get a copy of the agenda for the DDRB?



#45 txsloth

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Posted 27 January 2009 - 09:56 AM

QUOTE (jefffwd @ Jan 27 2009, 08:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How do you get a copy of the agenda for the DDRB?


It should be here on the City Calendar, but there is currently no link to the agenda:

http://www.fortworth...g/citycalendar/

*edit--I just read that the agenda for the 2/5 hearing will be posted on the City calendar on 1/30

#46 jefffwd

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Posted 27 January 2009 - 10:20 AM

Thanks. Here is the article... Sounds like the balcony will wrap around the building where the Chili's awnings are currently...

Jakes Hamburgers heading for downtown Fort Worth
By SANDRA BAKERsabaker@star-telegram.com

Jakes Old Fashioned Hamburgers, a popular Dallas-area restaurant, is planning a location in the space just vacated by Chili’s Grill & Bar in downtown Fort Worth.

A spokeswoman with Jakes Hamburgers said Monday that a lease has not yet been signed, but it is the owners’ intent to open in Fort Worth.

Representatives for the casual-style restaurant have asked to go before the Downtown Design Review Board next week because Jakes wants to add a balcony and sidewalk seating at the building, 515 Main St.

The balcony, with an iron railing and awnings, would wrap around the west and south sides of the building, at the northeast corner of Fifth and Main streets, according to a city filing.

A restaurant representative told the city staff that the owners would like to be open by mid-April, in time for the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival, an annual event that draws thousands of people into downtown.

Jakes Hamburgers, founded in 1985, has four locations: Uptown, Lake Highlands, Addison and Plano. It has been owned by brothers, Greg and Marty Garvey, for the past four years.

Chili’s parent, Brinker International, said two weeks ago that it would close the downtown Fort Worth location that the chain had operated for nearly 10 years. The company declined to renew its lease, and the restaurant closed this past weekend.



#47 McHand

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Posted 28 January 2009 - 10:27 PM

QUOTE (jefffwd @ Jan 27 2009, 09:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>



I never appreciated the beauty of this building until just now. I can't wait to see that pepper hit the road.

Voice & Guitars in Big Heaven
Elementary Music Specialist, FWISD

Texas Wesleyan 2015
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