Moxie News

Sports bar concept from Dallas Stars owner touches down in Southlake

Moxie's knows what Texas likes.

Moxie's

Canadian sports-bar restaurant Moxie's Grill & Bar has a new location in Dallas-Fort Worth that's just about ready to roll.

The restaurant will open in Southlake at the Southlake Town Square, in the former Cafe Express space at 1472 Main St. According to a release, it will open in September.

Moxie's is owned by Tom Gaglardi, proprietor of the Dallas Stars and brought to the U.S. by franchise group Eatz Hospitality. This is their third location in North Texas, following Uptown Dallas, which opened in 2016, and Plano, which opened in 2018. Their other two locations are in Houston and Miami.

Moxie's in Southlake will serve lunch, brunch, dinner, and happy hour specials, with a menu of elevated American classics. Executive chef is Brandon Thordarson, who will work alongside local chef Darren Braun, on a menu that includes:

Sushi Cones, made of tempura shrimp with avocado, pea shoots, nori crisps and drizzled with sesame chili ponzu
Poutine, the Canadian staple with French fries, hot beef gravy, and cheese curds
Kale and Quinoa Salad
Vegetarian Power Bowl with marinated tofu, shiitake mushrooms, soft boiled egg, vegetables, and greens

Brunch options include:

Vegetarian Huevos Rancheros
Smoke Salmon Goat Cheese & Egg White Omelet
Sicilian Sausage Hash

The bar features craft cocktails such as Strawberry Ghost Pepper Margarita and a Hard Lemonade made with Tito’s Vodka. Happy Hour will be Monday-Friday 3-6 pm, and will feature $8 Moscow Mules and lime margaritas, along with a menu of light bites such as Korean Cauliflower.

The space features floor-to-ceiling windows, an extended bar, a large covered patio, TVs inside and outside, and flex walls that can be converted for private dining experience and party spaces. Decor includes natural stone and modern lighting. Seating options include booths and high-tops.

Moxie’s is also known for their light sign décor, centered on the main dining wall, that spells out "I will if you will."

openings

Hot Dog News

Hot dog king Portillo's debuts new design at new location in Grapevine

Portillo's

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Chicago-style hot dog chain Portillo's is opening a new location in DFW, and it'll be the first of its kind for the chain. The restaurant is headed for Grapevine, at 460 W. SH-114, in the former Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, next door to Son of a Butcher, where it will open its doors on December 5.

According to a release, the location is the very first to feature the chain's "restaurant of the future" design comprising a smaller, more efficient footprint.

Most Portillo's are about 8,000 square feet (and some from the early days could go up to 10,000 square feet). The Grapevine location spans 6,250 square feet, with seating for up to 125 inside, and 40 on the patio. It will feature a Southwest Garage theme, and will also have their signature double drive-thru.

The menu will be the same: Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and two-layer chocolate cake.

Grapevine is not the only location in Texas to follow this new design: A similar location measuring 6,200 square feet is opening in Stafford, near Houston, as well.

Portillo's exteriorPortillo's

The driver with this smaller size is a greater emphasis on take-out and (probably) an effort not to pay so much rent.

Grapevine officials are enthusiastic about having the chain within city limits and what it says about the great city of Grapevine.

“The addition of Portillo’s to the more than 200 curated dining options in Grapevine is a testament to our city’s commitment to offering diverse and exceptional culinary experiences,” says Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate in a statement.

Portillo's made their first debut in DFW with a location at Grandscape in The Colony in January 2023.

The Illinois-based chain has six other locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, including Fort Worth, Arlington, Allen, Denton, and Mansfield. Grapevine will be the seventh to open. There are also plans to open a location in Grand Prairie.

Founder Dick Portillo opened the first Portillo’s hot dog stand in Illinois in 1963. There are now more than 90 locations across 10 states.

openings