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#51 John T Roberts

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Posted 17 October 2005 - 06:00 AM

This is from today's Fort Worth Star-Telegram:

BAKER & JARES

By Sandra Baker and Andrea Jares

Star-Telegram Staff Writers


Acme Brick could move

Acme Brick Co. is looking to either expand or move from its West Seventh Street location, a company executive said last week.

Judy Hunter, Acme's chief financial officer, said company officials would like to have a new building at the company's location near Foch Street on the city's near west side but will look elsewhere if costs are prohibitive.

It could be as long as two years, though, before the firm moves into a new building, she said.

"Our plans are still up in the air," Hunter said. "We would like to stay," she said, but added, "We have to look at what's best for our shareholders."

Hunter said company representatives have talked with city officials, but she declined to discuss the nature of those talks.

Assistant City Manager Dale Fisseler confirmed that the company has been in informal talks with the city's economic development department but said Acme has not yet filed any applications for assistance.

Acme, which became a part of the Berkshire Hathaway company in 2000 as part of its acquisition of Justin Industries, owns about 12 acres along the West Seventh Street corridor. The land is in a neighborhood empowerment zone, which entitles the company to file tax abatement applications as well as receive fee waivers.

Hunter said Acme has about 150 workers at its Fort Worth headquarters, but they are spread among six buildings. If consolidated into one building, the company would need about 60,000 square feet of office space, she said.

Hunter said the company wants to settle on a site before it begins other planning. For example, if it stays on West Seventh, the company will probably consider a multistory building because land costs are high, she said. But if the company moves, it may consider a campus-style concept of one- and two-story buildings, she said.

Hunter said she'd like to have architectural plans under way within six months.

-- Sandra Baker

#52 gdvanc

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Posted 17 October 2005 - 04:42 PM

They have 12 acres on W 7th? Hmm...

I hope they're able to stay. I'd like to see them work a deal with a developer to build something at least on the scale that Klabzuba Oil and Gas just announced. It may not make sense for Acme to build beyond their current needs themselves, but letting a developer design and build something that takes advantage of the current market could make staying in the area more financially attractive. The developer could take on the risk of leasing the additional space, and Acme would have room for future growth without either 1) having capital tied up in the extra space, or 2) becoming a leasing agency (which isn't their core business). Throw in some ground floor retail. Leverage that extra land, too.

Whatever they build, a big rotating clock on top in the shape of a brick would be a nice touch.

#53 redhead

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Posted 17 October 2005 - 05:02 PM

Told you guys months ago a representative from GT went to BH to make a presentation on this proposed project. They have kept it close to the vest, but they have moved most everyone out of the buildings and they have relocated the brick storage---Euless I think. They own two buildings between the southeast corner of Foch/7th toward Amli's project. I don't think they actually own the corner, but I'm not positive. Then they own the tall Acme building and the surrounding ones from 7th back to Morton (I think it's Morton) on the south. I can understand with the prices in the area why it might be more prudent to sell and go out a little farther---especially if the intent is keep a large area for brick storage. 7th Street RE is just a bit pricey for that use---bick storage at $35/foot!

#54 mosteijn

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Posted 17 October 2005 - 05:41 PM

60,000 sf isn't exactly a lot...realistically it's only about 3-5 stories, BUT it could make a sizeable lease on a speculative office project downtown (perhaps the new 10 story UWS building?) Doesn't sound like leasing space downtown is really a consideration, but that's what I would prefer to see happen. If they do choose to move, I hope they stay in FW city limits.

Whatever happens to the site needs to be bold, no more piddly drive-thru banks, strip malls, and garden apts. for W. 7th...I'm thinking 8-12 story apartment/condo buildings with ground floor retail, a few parking garages, maybe a mid-rise, upscale hotel (I'm partial to W, but I realize that's asking a bit much for Fort Worth). Of course, all of this needs to be hugging the streets, which should of course have plentiful shade trees.

#55 cberen1

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Posted 18 October 2005 - 08:07 AM

The most relevent question for ACME is going to be where the executives live today and how they feel about commmuting. If the top two or three guys live in Monticello and hate commuting, you can bet they'll build something pretty close to where they are already.

#56 Thurman52

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Posted 12 December 2005 - 09:24 PM

Jagee has a zoning request from MU2/DD to MU2 for 3128 w 7th, does this clear the way to demolish something, if so what structure is this?

#57 John T Roberts

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Posted 12 December 2005 - 09:44 PM

Thurman, it is good to see that you are on the ball, but you are a day late and a dollar short! The building has already been demolished, but the city never removed the Demolition Delay designation. So if you are wondering what was on the site, it was the 7th Street Theater. If you remember, it was mostly demolished on a weekend when no one was looking. The remainder of the building was torn down after the 180 days expired.

#58 Thurman52

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Posted 12 December 2005 - 10:31 PM

So it was just a clean-up of the records then. Hmm, anything historic or listed as DD in the Jagee project doomed?

I really like the looks of the center w/ the The Great Outdoors, hope they salvage that somehow..

Did anyone notice the re-platt of Musesum Place last month in the Planning Commission. Making room for the project, I guess..

#59 John T Roberts

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Posted 12 December 2005 - 10:46 PM

From what little I know, the shopping center at 3204 Camp Bowie (Great Outdoors) is scheduled to remain and become a part of the project.

I did see the notice on the re-plat of Museum Place, but I don't know the details on why it is being done.

#60 mosteijn

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Posted 29 December 2005 - 03:07 PM

Urbndwlr posted this great link on another thread, and I thought I would go ahead and post this image just to save everyone a few clicks:

IPB Image

Isn't that amazing? I really hope all of that development comes to fruition.

Also, about the JaGee development, it seems that it might actually begin construction soon. I found a page online that mentions a 3 story building at 3300 W. 7th by JaGee, and although the page was recent, the tentative start date was listed as Feb. '05 (perhaps that's a typo and they meant '06?). Also, the architects were mentioned, and I googled their site and found a page devoted to this project that has some pretty nifty renderings. Here's the link:

http://www.jhparch.c..._subitem^lwlp=0

#61 Thurman52

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Posted 29 December 2005 - 05:48 PM

Nice find...very impressive. Look at the plan that makes sense to why they recently re-platted the Mueseum Place area, makes it a few tracts based on future buildings.

#62 redhead

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Posted 25 January 2006 - 07:26 AM

The only problem with this plan is that there are hundreds of individual landowners in the way. Some buy in, but many don't. For example, the buyers of the Acme land may never even have seen this plan because they are in Dallas, they may not even know of its existence! Much of this is blue sky and big wishes for other people's property! I have the same problem with this that I did with So7 platting a road through a piece of property Hughs did not (and still does not) own...ergo, Museum Way comes to a dead end. I'm not a naysayer, but a realist. Why pay RTKL 65K to draw a plan that more than likely will never happen? Maybe so someone can convince the city to create another TIF district so Jagee can go forward?

#63 Dismuke

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Posted 25 January 2006 - 12:07 PM

QUOTE(redhead @ Jan 25 2006, 09:26 AM) View Post

The only problem with this plan is that there are hundreds of individual landowners in the way. Some buy in, but many don't. For example, the buyers of the Acme land may never even have seen this plan because they are in Dallas, they may not even know of its existence! Much of this is blue sky and big wishes for other people's property! I have the same problem with this that I did with So7 platting a road through a piece of property Hughs did not (and still does not) own...ergo, Museum Way comes to a dead end. I'm not a naysayer, but a realist. Why pay RTKL 65K to draw a plan that more than likely will never happen?



Redhead - thank you so much for interjecting a much needed dose of reality into an area of discussion where it is, sadly, lacking more often than not. Your's is one of the most intelligent observations I have seen here in a while.

Unfortunately, a great many "urban planning types" have yet to discover the difference between the SimCity computer game and real life. Many of the same people also seem to be infected with a New London Connecticut (as in the notorious Kelo vs New London case) style "ends justify the means" mentality and would, if they could get a way with it, simply use the government's police powers to force at gunpoint those unwashed property owners who are not dazzled by their "visions" into compliance.

In real life, individuals have inalienable rights, including property rights, and to the degree a society tramples on and violates the rights of some individuals in order to allegedly benefit some other group of individuals under the empty slogan of "the greater good," such a society is properly regarded as a tyranny.

In real life, people with a grasp of reality understand that concentrated government planning as some sort of alleged ideal bit the dust long before the archetype of such a mentality, the Soviet Union, collapsed into ruin and 7 decades of decay and rot and rivers of blood. In real life, people with an understanding of how a free market works realize that "planning" goes on all the time - it is simply not concentrated in the hands of a few know-it-all elitists. In a free market, "planning" occurs whenever a lady decides to add a bit of glamour to her life and buys an expensive dress at an "upscale" retailer. "Planning" also occurs when some other lady decides instead to purchase her clothes at Marshall's so she can invest the difference in a mutual fund which will eventually help finance her children's education. Such decisions on how best to utilize one's hard earned capital made countless times over the course of each day by countless tens of millions of individuals have far ranging consequences in "planning" every single aspect of our economy - including how real estate will be developed. And to the degree that one is economically productive - and only to the degree one is economically productive - one earns an accordingly larger amount of say-so in how the overall economy turns out. Central planning types despise capitalism because it denies them a means of shoving their allegedly noble "visions" down other people's throats by force. Thus, when their efforts are frustrated by what elements of semi-capitalism we fortunately have here in this country, one can usually hear them making remarks to the effect that most people are a bunch of unwashed bumpkins who are totally incapable of making wise decisions on how to live their lives and spend their own money. They say these things because they wish to be the ones who have a say in making such decisions for everybody else.

Personally, one of the things I enjoy about urban areas is the fact that there exists a huge diversity of building styles and building functions within a relatively small area. It is that diversity which, to me, adds to the feeling of energy and hustle and bustle of an urban area. It is true that a great many buildings built after World War II tend to look trashy. But that is a cultural problem not a political or economic problem. People prior to World War II were just as capable of putting up ugly buildings as they were after - it is just that the level of public taste was such that it made economic sense for businessmen to invest in nicer looking buildings. Large master planned suburban developments - while some of them are very attractive and nice - in my opinion tend to be on the bland side.
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#64 pelligrini

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Posted 25 January 2006 - 03:21 PM

QUOTE(Dismuke @ Jan 25 2006, 12:07 PM) View Post

Unfortunately, a great many "urban planning types" have yet to discover the difference between the SimCity computer game and real life. Many of the same people also seem to be infected with a New London Connecticut (as in the notorious Kelo vs New London case) style "ends justify the means" mentality and would, if they could get a way with it, simply use the government's police powers to force at gunpoint those unwashed property owners who are not dazzled by their "visions" into compliance.


I was thinking along the same lines. Could we be looking at some potential "eminent domain" litigation in our future?

Every time I see that plan I also think of the same points that redhead made. Especially looking at the portion that’s North of 7th running along the levy. I’ve seen a much different master plan drawn up, and even that one still has a few gaps in property ownership too.

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#65 grow_smart

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Posted 25 January 2006 - 08:49 PM

I'm curious...

Can someone give me one example of a building that looks like 95% of the ones shown on RTKL's masterplan and the Trinity River Vision model? You know which one I'm talking about - the rectangular building with the courtyard in the middle that is nearly 100% enclosed save for a small walkway? It appears these are going to be very popular sometime soon.

The only example I can think of that comes close in the AMLI Reserve on Henderson, but it has a parking garage in the middle, not a courtyard.

#66 Dismuke

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Posted 26 January 2006 - 12:16 AM

QUOTE(grow_smart @ Jan 25 2006, 10:49 PM) View Post

I'm curious...

Can someone give me one example of a building that looks like 95% of the ones shown on RTKL's masterplan and the Trinity River Vision model? You know which one I'm talking about - the rectangular building with the courtyard in the middle that is nearly 100% enclosed save for a small walkway? It appears these are going to be very popular sometime soon.

The only example I can think of that comes close in the AMLI Reserve on Henderson, but it has a parking garage in the middle, not a courtyard.



A lot of really old urban buildings in Europe have similar courtyards - and I think those are kind of cool. But you are correct in that it is kind of odd to project that many of them being built here.
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#67 Dismuke

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Posted 26 January 2006 - 12:21 AM

QUOTE(pelligrini @ Jan 25 2006, 05:21 PM) View Post



I was thinking along the same lines. Could we be looking at some potential "eminent domain" litigation in our future?


Fortunately, I don't think we will with regard to the 7th Street area. As a result of the Kelo decision, there has been a nationwide outcry and backlash against eminent domain abuse. Here in Texas, Governor Perry signed into law a bill which significantly limits the ability of governments to condemn land and hand it over to private interests for economic development.

Unfortunately, there are flaws in the legislation - most notably an exemption which allows the City of Arlington to steal private land and hand it over to the developer of the new stadium which will house the Dallas Cowboys. There are other exemptions as well which you can read about at this link. (Note - the link goes to an article by Carole Keeton Strayhorn who is running for Governor. I know very little about Ms Strayhorn or her positions on issues other than the fact that I was very turned off by the "One Tough Grandma" rabble rousing attack ads she ran a few months ago. My link is NOT an endorsement of her and, I have no idea about how much credibility she has when speaking on the issue or whether her article is merely an opportunity to attack her opponent on a popular issue).

In an odd sort of way, that Kelo decision has had some fall out that has been positive. As mentioned, there are movements nationwide to pass legislation on the state level protecting private property rights. I think Kelo has caused a lot of people to wake up on an issue that they have not given much thought about. Suddenly, overnight, the movement in this country for greater respect and protection of private property rights has gained new visibility and momentum.

Another positive is that it brings the whole issue of justifying things based on some alleged "public good" into focus for a lot of people. As I have pointed out in previous postings, the "public good" and its many variants is an utterly meaningless concept. Who is to determine exactly what constitutes the "good" and which group of individuals constitutes the "public" which is supposed to be its beneficiary? Thanks to the publicity surrounding Kelo, many people are starting to realize that what the "public good" really means is "the wishes and desires of those with political pull."

People who advocate public policy on the basis of the "public good" do so on the premise that they and those they support will be the ones who help determine exactly what that alleged "good" consists of. I invite anyone here who thinks that way to please consider something: Imagine, for a moment, that your very worst political enemies come into political power with an overwhelming majority giving them the power to determine exactly what does and does not constitute the "public good." When such people start actively working for your destruction on grounds that your property and/or lifestyle somehow stands in the way of their notion of "the public good," on what grounds will you have left to object? The only principled basis on which one can object would be that of individual rights. The only problem is, if and when such a time comes, will there be anybody left who will be able to hear and understand your plea? Or will the notion of individual rights be totally foreign to most people or something subjected to contempt and ridicule because of the poisonous ideas that you endorsed and helped spread about the individual being subordinate to society and the so-called "public good?" Those who agitate for the government to use its police powers in order to impose your views and "visions" on others by force should be very careful: someday you may find that very same police power suddenly turned against you and the things that you value.

- - - - -

P.S - Speaking of eminent domain and fallout from Kelo, I just started another thread at this link about the fact that BB&T, the nation's 9th largest bank, has just issued a press release announcing that it will not lend money to developers for private projects on land which has been confiscated by the government entities through eminent domain. Hopefully additional banks will have the guts and moral decency to follow BB&T's example.
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#68 John T Roberts

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Posted 01 February 2006 - 07:11 AM

I have a retail update here. It appears that Chipotle Mexican Grill will be going into the Blockbuster space at the corner of 7th & University. The restaurant is tentatively scheduled to start renovations in June and open in August.

#69 Thurman52

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Posted 01 February 2006 - 08:09 AM

Wow, I figured Blockbuster had a decent location...

#70 safly

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Posted 01 February 2006 - 10:19 PM

Decent location, bad business idea these days. Give ol Gloria's some lunch competition next year. Have ya'll tried out Cachonga's on 7th or Camp Bowie. Pretty good food, bit pricier than anticipated, will go back there for more.

I can't see Chipotle making a dent over there. The area demo's show a different type of customer for both the lunch and dinner crowd. Maybe I am TOTALLY wrong here. Why haven't they placed one in DTFW yet? dry.gif
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#71 redhead

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Posted 01 February 2006 - 10:55 PM

Doesn't surprise me in the least...you know Chipolte is owned by McCyD's. If they have the demographics from up the street, I'm sure theycan extrapolate. Besides the CD lunch crowd may have more time time to move around..and they sure have a higher visitor incidence.

#72 safly

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 04:18 AM

Up the street and DIRECTLY behind that stripmall are 2 TOTALLY different worlds. Kiddos love the up the street location, because mom and dad get caught driving by it almost frequently on the way home. In big suburbans and Volvo XC's, after getting some good wholesome groceries from the CM.

You are right, Chipotle's is McD's and I have some problems with their beginnings. Very suspect to say the least. The food is alright. It's just a burrito factory for cryin out loud. No secret to what they do, except that they are well funded, unlike most Authentic Mexican food places or food service venues in general. So they get the quality goods in bulk for less than I would and they happen to label their foods as authentic in taste. For a BURRITO?
They don't do anything that is razzle dazzling, but their finish-outs are top notch and attract a "certain" clientele and price point. VERY SHINY. biggrin.gif

I ain't hatin, but I would be a bigger fan if they too were to play that MONOPOLY game every now and then. Same company right?

Perhaps they are getting word that the neighborhod is going to "ahehem" CHANGE a bit favorable. I'm still surprised that they exist in SA. SHOCKING what some BIG CORP. capital can do for ya.

Maybe I need to talk to BK for some backing/JV on a TRUE Mexican restaurant that is duplicable on a global scale. Who's with me on this? (Crickets chirping, chirping, chirping) sleep.gif
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#73 Yossarian

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 07:35 AM

QUOTE
Maybe I need to talk to BK for some backing/JV on a TRUE Mexican restaurant that is duplicable on a global scale. Who's with me on this? (Crickets chirping, chirping, chirping)


Not a bad idea. But you may be behind the curve a little. Taqueria Arandas in Houston is already on their way to doing just what you suggest. Get on it safly; they could use some competition - maybe with some regional twist. They concentrate on Jalisco style food, so you go with a more "norteno" (45 emoticons and no tildes) style.

Oh, and the "chirping" may be due to the hour of your post...

#74 cberen1

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 08:29 AM

QUOTE(safly @ Feb 2 2006, 06:18 AM) View Post

You are right, Chipotle's is McD's and I have some problems with their beginnings.


That's mostly accurate. McDonald's is the majority shareholder in Chipotle Mexican Grill, which had an IPO last week (CMG - NYSE). A regional manager with Chipotle told me that MCD was approached by the Chipotle people about a JV so they could expand nationwide (maybe 6 or 7 years ago). It's been a fruitful marriage for both sides.

I think it's going to do well. I eat at the one on Hulen all the time for lunch and regularly see downtown people there. I'm a little surprised there isn't one downtown already.

#75 JBB

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 10:32 AM

Give me Freebird over Chipotle every day of the week.

#76 cberen1

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 12:57 PM

QUOTE(JBB @ Feb 2 2006, 12:32 PM) View Post

Give me Freebird over Chipotle every day of the week.


I definitely agree. I like the flavor of the meat better at Freebirds and I like the rice better. I don't think the Freebirds model will have the same mass appeal that Chipotle has, though.

#77 DrkLts

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 01:39 PM

QUOTE(cberen1 @ Feb 2 2006, 12:57 PM) View Post

QUOTE(JBB @ Feb 2 2006, 12:32 PM) View Post

Give me Freebird over Chipotle every day of the week.


I definitely agree. I like the flavor of the meat better at Freebirds and I like the rice better. I don't think the Freebirds model will have the same mass appeal that Chipotle has, though.


Them two are both good, but not authentic. Both chains are just a step up from Taco Bell/Bueno.
Mom&Pop burrito places are still the real deal. Hemphill street is loaded with them.
I mean, would you eat at a chinese resturaunt that didn't have one asian working there? Authentic is the only way to go happy.gif

#78 hooked

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 02:53 PM

I guess we're technically still on topic, since there is a McDonald's on the Champs d'elysee

#79 JBB

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 03:25 PM

QUOTE(DrkLts @ Feb 2 2006, 01:39 PM) View Post

Them two are both good, but not authentic. Both chains are just a step up from Taco Bell/Bueno.
Mom&Pop burrito places are still the real deal.



I would agree with that, but I don't think Freebird or Chipotle is aiming for "authentic". I'll take Ernesto's on Hemphill (formerly 8th Ave.) over both and over any generic Tex Mex.

#80 cberen1

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 05:10 PM

QUOTE(DrkLts @ Feb 2 2006, 03:39 PM) View Post

Them two are both good, but not authentic. Both chains are just a step up from Taco Bell/Bueno.
Mom&Pop burrito places are still the real deal. Hemphill street is loaded with them.
I mean, would you eat at a chinese resturaunt that didn't have one asian working there? Authentic is the only way to go happy.gif


They're quite a step up from Taco Bell/Bueno. The food is better and they serve beer. I like mom & pop places like Sevi's in Wichita Falls. There are a ton of Mexicans working at the Chipotle on Hulen, not so much at Freebirds. Freebirds was started by a skinny, white, middle aged hippy. I'm not sure of the ethnic origin of Chipotle's founders, but at least the name is Hispanic.

I would definitely eat at a Chinese(maybe generic Asian is more accurate) restaurant with no Asian people working there. I love Pei Wei and P.F. Chang's. It's not authentic, but it tastes good. I used to really enjoy Big Bowl and there was nothing remotely authentic about that. When I want something authentic, I go to the Rickshaw on Woodhaven. There's also a great Chinese BBQ in Arlington on either Arkansas or Pioneer Pky built in an old Burger King that's pretty authentic.

#81 safly

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Posted 02 February 2006 - 05:29 PM

The skepticism behind Chipotles is that from what I heard from a Chicago friend, who has now moved back to Denver area, is that he in fact knew and had eaten at the ORIGINAL Chipotles in the Denver area, near some music conservatory or near a music school associated with a university. He plays violin and does re-hairs. So back on topic, we discussed restaurant ventures and so forth. He brought up Chipotle's as in a low-pro mom and pop taqueria/burrito hut style place in Denver. Was started as Mom and Pop and was cheap and full of tasty flavors for the cash strapped student market out there. Similiar to a taco stand, VERY SMALL. Couple of years later, some ANGLOS from the area shut it down and said that they own a trademark on that name and are in talks with McD's. So this particular timeline goes back about 9 or 10 years ago. right around when the talks had started. They take a catchy name, see the money that these mom and pops are making and up them another notch, with legal action (TRADEMARK infringement). Chipotle's (the original) curiously comes to a close. Just another possible "manifest destiny" attempt on some hard working citizens who I am sure just wanted to keep small in good ol Denver. This is all from one persons experience in the whole matter. And Chipotle's does claim to be CO started.

BTW Yoss, I have attempted the try, gotta fly into Miami next month with the plan and selling point. After that is another national chain. Perhaps a Texas roots chain? Or some Castle venue.

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#82 Yossarian

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Posted 05 February 2006 - 05:59 PM

QUOTE
Taqueria Arandas in Houston is already on their way to doing just what you suggest.


Already expanded into Dallas and Irving

#83 safly

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Posted 06 February 2006 - 12:07 AM

QUOTE(Yossarian @ Feb 5 2006, 05:59 PM) View Post

QUOTE
Taqueria Arandas in Houston is already on their way to doing just what you suggest.


Already expanded into Dallas and Irving



Where?

My friend from Alvin has heard of them in Houston area (more than one?), but has never eaten there. They are most likely inline with EVERY OTHER Taqueria Jalisco style venue "HUT" all over S.Texas. Many people like their menu pricing but are turned off by their prescence and conditions. Don't know why but that's the word on the street. Do they have a website to lookup? Any writeups?
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#84 Wildcard

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Posted 06 February 2006 - 01:57 AM

I know of two of these in Dallas. One is on the northeast corner of Stemmons and Regal Row (I believe it used to be a Denny's) and the other one is on Northwest Hwy just north of Love Field. I don't think they have a website, though.

#85 Yossarian

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Posted 06 February 2006 - 07:55 AM

www.taqueriasarandas.com

#86 mosteijn

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Posted 06 February 2006 - 08:25 PM

QUOTE(cberen1 @ Feb 2 2006, 08:29 AM) View Post

I'm a little surprised there isn't one downtown already.

Me too, you'd think that another high(er)-end national chain would fit well into the downtown "scene"...

#87 hannerhan

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 07:04 AM

See the latest article from FW Weekly:
http://www.fwweekly....sp?article=3611

#88 Fort Worthology

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 10:03 AM

QUOTE(John T Roberts @ Feb 1 2006, 07:11 AM) View Post

I have a retail update here. It appears that Chipotle Mexican Grill will be going into the Blockbuster space at the corner of 7th & University. The restaurant is tentatively scheduled to start renovations in June and open in August.


So Blockbuster is closing up shop there - I never payed attention, thought it was already gone. smile.gif

--

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#89 Now in Denton

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 11:39 AM

QUOTE(hannerhan @ Feb 9 2006, 07:04 AM) View Post

See the latest article from FW Weekly:
http://www.fwweekly....sp?article=3611


I hope everyone here gets a copy ! Lots to talk about and a fair rendering of what they want to do. I was taken back when it was talked about "Light rail" has no great support here in Fort Worth. Regional backing only. What good is that if we still dont have anything to show for it.



#90 safly

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 11:42 AM

QUOTE(Yossarian @ Feb 6 2006, 07:55 AM) View Post

www.taqueriasarandas.com


YOSS!


Ate there the other night, in the 183 location. Let me say, that while I am impressed on how they maintain and present a very pleasing and FAMILIAR menu. I was a bit unimpressed with a francise/chain being located in such a seedy spot (Sac N Save Square), and with their interior design and "feel". Very dark, not well lit. Seemed as if it were closed, until I finally decided to park. Waitstaff was very attentive and spoke both beautiful Spanish and "Englich" happy.gif well enough to communicate broadly. I started off with the Torta de Pastor. The OVERSIZED bun kinda took me by surprise, I am used to a more medium sized bread baquette (bolio). So to eat sooo much bread was not my intent on the torta. The pork strip was well marinated and cut for easy biting and chewing, the flavors of the pastor was a bit bland even though the tomato based marinade would indicate otherwise. Needed more pina, salt, and guajillo in the marinade to create a more ROBUST flavoring. Next, I went on to the sizzling hot iron Shrimp tail-on grille platter. Very simple and very neat. Waaay to many sliced onions and little bits of bell pepper. Veggies were not sauteed enough, too clear and stiff. Shrimp was tender to pull from tails. Platter came out sizzlin but the tast of a margarine or butter was non present. Came with a plate of rice (needed more garlic and some onion to taste, corn bits is NOT necessary, would substitute with celery chops), side of pico (too citric, too fine and WET), a small salad with GUACAMOLE. The GUACAMOLE was a bit on the mayo creamy side, but I do know what they were aiming for, and it should never be set on top of shredded lettuce. A leaf is fine , but please no shredded lettuce or side salad. For some reason it just eliminates or dilutes the natural buttery quality taste of a rich avocado. No beans? Don't know why, but I was very interested in trying theirs.

Now I was off to the taco de lengua and the taco de pollo. Both were small for the price and needed some work in the kitchen, perhaps an overhaul. The pollo was definately from a boiled down chicken, which is great. HOWEVER, the chicken was simply fork pulled and not mashed up, so you had BIG chunks of it in a taco and you really could not taste the spices and seasonings, perhaps they did not use much seasoning to begin with in the boiling pot? Don't know. Secondly, it had a very consistent thick greasy tomatoee drip during every bite, most people don't care for that kinda grease, especially when consumed. So the pollo should be more shredded and seasoned for tacos IMO. Oh, and it should not have a "wet dog" aftertaste. Is common in many restaurants, but can be avoided. Next was the taco de lengua (tongue meat). This was perhaps the BEST item of the meal, AND I MICROED IT THE VERY NEXT DAY! The Lengua had a very smoky/beefy rich taste to it, good color and tenderness. Finely chopped and not ready-made store bought, I CAN TELL. The garnishing was that of cilantro and cebolla, very traditional. Now both tacos were overall a "B to a B+", but what would have DEFINITELY made the difference for me was that they used, upon asking if other options were available, STORE BOUGHT TORTILLAS. ohmy.gif Now people, this is for BOTH flour and corn tortillas. I have no earthly idea why that was custom for ARANDAS (Big chain), but that is what they present to the public. IF you are to broadcast that you are authentic and traditional, STEP UP! They had plenty of people back there (probably tooo many from a payroll perspective) to mix em up and roll em out. They definitely should have the cookware to do such an operation.

All and all, I had a wonderful time there by myself, too bad they did not have their menued CERVEZAS on the premises to serve me, must be a permit thing. I went for the lemonade to drink, was ok and then it just tasted toooo watered down midway through. CERVEZAS would have added more to the experience and venue that night(7:30-8pmish). Only about 5 people total eating in a pretty much 75 occ. dining area. Neat toys and candies to buy for the little ones. Pricing was fairly CHEAP for the Metroplex on most popular items. I will give them another try, maybe during lunchtime just to see how they get tested. I will go for an enchilada plate next time around and finally try their beans. Very good for the metroplex and I anticipate them opening soon in Cowtown, maybe Bryant -Irving area or somewhere off of a highway. Hope they STEP UP next time around. wink.gif
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#91 Yossarian

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 01:55 PM

Safly:

My understanding is that the Dallas locations are franchised - so may not be exact facsimiles to the Houston locations. Speaking of which, some in the Houston area are not too impressive whereas some of the newer locations are built literally from the ground up and are spotless clean, bright, and the food is well presented.

I really have not eaten there too often - as the authentic selection in Houston surpasses something so simple as Arandas. I simply wanted to highlight them for their apparent success and expansion from literally one location.

Glad you tried it. Now get in gear and try another place named 100% Taquito (also in Houston). This place is really what you might have in mind for Fort Worth and I think you could make a go of it. Something like it would definitely work on 7th.

#92 safly

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 02:31 PM

Get it in GEAR? You mean like get that bulk canister of TUMS from SAM's and get driving down I-45 way, or what?

I've got peeps down that way, maybe they could give em a HOLLA!

Do they also have a website?

Franchise or not, it SHOULDN'T ideally make a difference. But in the case of Taco Cabana's startup success to dismal expansion failure, IT DOES. Aranda's boasts on their website that the franchise oppt's are in accordance with strict company policies and training provided. I take it as a notion that consistency in cooking methods and presentations are of the utmost importance. Agree?

Just got back from the Shady Oak BBQ near Fossil Creek. OK beef sandwich and itty bitty cuty "loaded" potato. I felt like saying, "You just a cuty little "loaded baked-potato aren't ya." (CRUSH, oversized beer can falls onto me) . But I rather not risk it for the dew's sake. biggrin.gif

100% Taquito? Sounds like it belongs in a $9K a month 300sqft. kitchen/takeout diner in NYC.

Speaking of...........

I was watching something actually quite interesting on the telli (MtV) the other week. Have you guys heard of Rickshaw's?
I caught this same restaurant owner on one of Martha Stewart's earlier comeback shows. It's basically a Chipotle style lay-out, very clean and energetic. But they serve... DUMPLINGS wub.gif. My favorite int'l dish of all! Dumplings of all kinds, like it's candy, and they serve about 5 different plates to accompany the numerous dumpling creations. Chinese soups too. Now that wouldn't be sucha bad idea to startup here in FW, especially in DTFW. Perhaps somebody is already working on this elsewhere? Maybe somebody you know? wink.gif

Let me see if there is a website to link up with. Oh wait, from the magic of the internet, here it MAGICALLY is happy.gif YUM YUM!

BTW, Kenny ain't got nothin on my 62 dumplings at one seating. I felt miserable with slight delight afterwards, like Paul Newman and that boiled egg stunt. sad.gif
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#93 Yossarian

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 02:45 PM

QUOTE
Get it in GEAR?


Just slang for "put the car in drive."

No website for 100% Taquito. Pretty large space as I recall. I'll walk it next week when I am down there settling on my house and let you know.

#94 PPoole

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 04:38 PM

QUOTE(Now in Denton @ Feb 9 2006, 11:39 AM) View Post

QUOTE(hannerhan @ Feb 9 2006, 07:04 AM) View Post

See the latest article from FW Weekly:
http://www.fwweekly....sp?article=3611


I hope everyone here gets a copy ! Lots to talk about and a fair rendering of what they want to do. I was taken back when it was talked about "Light rail" has no great support here in Fort Worth. Regional backing only. What good is that if we still dont have anything to show for it.


Today at Central City Committee discussions revolved around the changes in ridership demand now possible w/in the central city. Fernando Costa and a number of members are looking at evaluating the feasibility of Ultra Light Rail as in use in Portland. Starting small on the highest demand leg could prove-out the viability of a integrated system of both on street and commuter rail. Will keep all posted on findings.Also looking for those interested to join w/ group.

#95 RD Milhollin

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Posted 09 February 2006 - 10:57 PM

[/quote]

Today at Central City Committee discussions revolved around the changes in ridership demand now possible w/in the central city. Fernando Costa and a number of members are looking at evaluating the feasibility of Ultra Light Rail as in use in Portland. Starting small on the highest demand leg could prove-out the viability of a integrated system of both on street and commuter rail. Will keep all posted on findings.Also looking for those interested to join w/ group.
[/quote]

WOW! Very cool.

#96 PPoole

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Posted 12 February 2006 - 04:45 PM

To add to the discussion on Museum Place there will be a presentation on the project to ABCD Meeting on Feb. 21st at SO-7 Marriott. Quests are always welcome.
Ppoole

#97 Urbndwlr

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Posted 12 February 2006 - 04:56 PM

QUOTE(PPoole @ Feb 12 2006, 06:45 PM) View Post

To add to the discussion on Museum Place there will be a presentation on the project to ABCD Meeting on Feb. 21st at SO-7 Marriott. Quests are always welcome.
Ppoole


Would love to see an attractive, efficient street car system running down 7th Street.




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