Burger News

Austin burger restaurant chain hops into Fort Worth's crowded field

If there's one thing Fort Worth does not lack, it is burgers.

Better burger chain Hopdoddy Burger Bar is expanding to a town that's already rich with burgers: Fort Worth. The Austin-based chain will open its first location in Fort Worth in fall 2017.

Hopdoddy is going into the Left Bank, a residential and retail development along West 7th Street, situated on the banks of the Trinity River between downtown and the Cultural Arts District.

The chain is known for its list of variety burgers, hand-cut Kennebec fries, and fancy milkshakes. Unlike similar chains such as Liberty Burger, Hopdoddy has a full bar with house-made liqueurs and fresh-squeezed juices. Founded in 2010, it has 16 locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Texas. Fort Worth will be the fourth DFW branch.

The other three run in a tony line along the Dallas North Tollway, with one in Uptown on McKinney Avenue, another in Preston Center, and a third at the Village on the Parkway by Addison.

They've been well received in Dallas, but when it comes to burgers, Dallas is no Fort Worth, which already has its share of favored burger joints including Kincaid's, Fred's, Dutch's, and Hopdoddy knock-off Rodeo Goat.

West Miller, president of Centergy Retail, says that the urbanism that West 7th Street is experiencing evokes similarities to South Congress Avenue in Austin. "We feel Hopdoddy couldn’t have selected a better location for its first Fort Worth store," he says.

At Left Bank, Hopdoddy Burger Bar will be neighbors with a Tom Thumb coming soon, as well as 1,500 residential units, office space, a hotel, and a park.

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Burger News

Burgers abide in the 9 best food & drink events in Fort Worth this week

Cowtown Burger Showdown

Spring festival season has arrived as witnessed by three on the schedule this week. But first, make plans for an Italian wine dinner in the Stockyards then a weekend-long St. Patty's Day brunch featuring Irish classics. End the week with a hands-on class featuring recipes from the queen of French cuisine.

Tuesday, March 11

March Wine Dinner at Caterina’s
The Stockyards intimate fine dining destination will host its monthly multi-course dinner paired with Italian wines. This month’s courses include shrimp-stuffed mushrooms, kale and ricotta salad, sausage and porcini cream tortellini, honey balsamic glazed duck breast, and dark chocolate ricotta torte. Dinner is $165 plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm.

Friday, March 14

St. Patrick’s Day Brunch at Chef Point
Colleyville café will host a three-day Irish-inspired brunch in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Visit Friday through Sunday for brunch specials like corned beef and cabbage, corned beef hash, Reuben sandwiches, shepherd’s pie, and green beer. The brunch will run from 11 am–3 pm.

Saturday, March 15

Texas Street Food Festival at Texas Live!
Third annual two-day event will feature street eats from more than 30 vendors, eating challenges, family-friendly activities, and even a breakdancing show. Tickets start at $14.99 for general admission on Saturday ($9.99 on Sunday) and include a seltzer, beer, or well drink. The event will run from 2–8 pm both days.

5th Annual Cowtown Burger Showdown
Burger tasting event founded by Trey's Chow Down pits North Texas chefs against each other in a friendly competition in which guests get to vote for their favorite. More than two dozen participants include Grease Monkey Burgers, Rex’s Bar & Grill, Heim BBQ, and Son of a Butcher. The $49 ticket (plus tax and a small fee) includes three tasting tickets, endless tots, and a whiskey tasting. (Tickets for kids 6-13 are $15 and include two tasting tickets.) Or go VIP with an $85 ticket and get an extra tasting ticket and an open “Texas-centric” bar. The event will be held at River Ranch Stockyards from 6–10 pm with live music by Poo Live Crew.

Sunday, March 16

Fort Worth Eatz Food Truck Spring Fest
Trinity Park will be lined with food vendors during this all-day feeding frenzy. Visit from 11 am–7 pm for various food and drink vendors, live music, and family-friendly activities. The event will take place near the Dream Park and admission is free.

Perfect in Pearls: A Tribute to Julia Child at Central Market Fort Worth Cooking School
Hands-on cooking class will pay homage to beloved cookbook author and TV personality Julia Child. The French-inspired menu will include pan-fried steak Diane, potato & cheese casserole, asparagus with maltaise sauce, and strawberry tart. The $95 ticket price includes a glass of French wine with dinner, and the class begins at 5 pm.

Sunday, March 17

46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Block Party at J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill
It’s the biggest tradition in downtown Arlington. Visit all day starting at 11 am for the indoor-outdoor party featuring family-friendly activities and live music all day. Don't miss the iconic Irish nachos – natural cut cottage fries with melted cheddar, bacon, chives, onions, tomatoes and jalapenos. Note that there'll be a $5 cover charge starting at 5 pm.

St. Patrick's Day at Angelo's Bar-B-Q
Fort Worth barbecue institution opened on St. Patrick's Day in 1958, and every year on its anniversary, the beloved joint hosts Irish bagpipers to play for guests while they dine. Visit during dinner (they'll come on about 6:30 pm) and enjoy the music along with a green beer paired with brisket or ribs.

St. Patrick’s Day at Flying Saucer
Downtown draught emporium will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with live music on the patio (7–10 pm), $5 draft beers, including Irish offerings from Peticolas, Odell, and Boulevard, $6 shots of Jameson Irish Whiskey, and $8 Irish car bombs. Save room for a shepherd’s pie special.

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