New cafe taking root

Fort Worth Botanic Garden cultivates new cafe with Westland Hospitality

Flora House rendering, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Westland Hospitality

Flora House will reopen in the fall in the current Rock Springs Cafe space.

Rendering courtesy of Fort Worth Botanic Garden

A restaurant redo is unfurling at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden: Fort Worth-based Westland Hospitality is taking over the garden's longtime cafe and transforming it into a new concept called Flora House, set to open this fall after an extensive renovation, according to a release.

The transition expands Westland Hospitality's growing footprint in Fort Worth, coming on the heels of its recent acquisition of the historic Roy Pope Grocery (which is currently closed for a transformation into a restaurant).

The garden's current Rock Springs Cafe will close June 30 to begin renovations, a FWBG spokesperson says, so it will not be available to summer visitors viewing the buzzy exhibit "Sean Kenney's Nature POP! Made with LEGO Bricks," on through September 7.

An exact opening date for Flora House has not yet been announced, but it's expected to debut in fall 2026.

Rock Springs Cafe has been at the FWBG since 2019, when Denton resident Erik Sjolander took over the former Gardens, which had been the on-site restaurant for 23 years but left the space in December 2018 and moved to a country club near Burleson.

The new partnership may not come as too much of a surprise, as Westland Hospitality served as the food provider for the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's popular Christmas in the Garden event in 2025. Visitors had their pick of cuisine from some of Westland's most popular concepts: meatballs from Margie's Italian Gardens, tacos from Magdalena's, frozen hot cocoa custard from Curly's Frozen Custard, and more.

Flora House salad A salad from the menu.Photo courtesy of Westland Hospitality

Guests of Flora House can expect a menu centered on fresh, garden-inspired fare, including wraps, sandwiches, small plates, dips, and charcuterie boards. The restaurant will also feature an in-house bread program, house-made desserts, and a variety of options for diners with different dietary preferences, a Westland spokesperson says.

Renderings show it will have a covered patio in front.

Chef and Westland Hospitality partner Juan Rodriguez will oversee the culinary program, and his wife and tenured restaurateur Paige Rodriguez will oversee event operations and guest experience.

"As we continue to grow, our mission has always remained the same; our family has always believed that food brings people together," Rodriguez says in the release. "Rooted in the traditions passed down by my Abuela, we still live by her favorite saying: 'Full Bellies, Happy Hearts.'"

In addition to the restaurant, Westland Hospitality has been named the Fort Worth Botanic Garden's exclusive catering partner for weddings, galas, corporate events, and other private gatherings held on the grounds.

Westland Hospitality's portfolio includes Margie's Italian Gardens, Pulido's Kitchen & Cantina, JD's Hamburgers, Curly's Frozen Custard, Magdalena's Catering & Events, Westland Gardens, and Westland Bar Co.

Flora House, Fort Worth Botanic Garden Rendering of the interior of Flora House.Rendering courtesy of Fort Worth Botanic Garden

Their chefs know what they're doing. Rodriguez, longtime acclaimed chef at Fort Worth restaurants such as Reata and Magdalena's, is a former Chef of the Year winner in the CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. West chef Levi Gardner was just named Rising Star Chef of the Year at the 2026 Tastemaker Awards.

Flora House will occupy the garden's existing restaurant space, steps from some of the FWBG's most popular and scenic attractions, including the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden.

Guests who want to dine at Flora House will still need to purchase admission to the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, a spokeswoman confirms.

"Westland Hospitality brings an extraordinary level of passion, creativity, and community spirit to everything they do," said Fort Worth Botanic Garden president and CEO Patrick Newman in a statement. "We are thrilled to welcome them to the Garden and confident that Flora House will quickly become one of Fort Worth's most beloved dining experiences. Their expertise in events and catering will also elevate every occasion held on our grounds, ensuring that every guest, whether joining us for a casual meal or a milestone celebration, is met with truly exceptional hospitality."

garden openings renovation westland hospitality fort worth botanic garden

This week in gluttony

Peach fest leads the 6 best food and drink events in Fort Worth this week

Martin House Brewing Company/Facebook

Peach season is here.

The season's first peach festival arrives this week, and it comes with peach beer and even a special appearance by Princess Peach. Other tasty summer-centric food events this week include a barbecue and Texas wine tasting, an All-American wine pairing dinner with quintessential American flavors, and opportunity for picnicking at a whiskey distillery.

Wednesday, June 24

Caymus Wine Dinner at The Blue Room
Sip fine wine from one of Napa’s most recognized wineries during this three-course dinner at The Blue Room - the posh dining room with rich hues of blue located inside Emilia’s at The Crescent Hotel. A rep from Caymus will guide guests through each pairing. The dinner is $165 and begins at 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, June 25

Around the World: Summer of Soccer at Ellerbe Fine Foods
As part of Ellerbe Fine Foods’ “Around the World” dinner series, this World Cup-themed event will feature an evening of tapas from across the globe, including The Netherlands, Japan, England, Croatia, and Argentina. Menu items range from bangers and mash from England to dulce de leche filled cookies called alfajores from Argentina. The dinner is $85, with an optional wine pairing for $22. Seating times are 5-8:45 pm.

Friday, June 26

All-American Patio Wine Dinner at Grace
The downtown fine dining institution will celebrate the country’s 250th birthday with a five-course dinner that will draw on all-American flavors. Highlights include pimento cheese and pork rind croquettes, cornmeal crusted snapper, confit pork short rib “pigs in a blanket,” and key lime parfait. The dinner will take place on Grace’s shaded patio with a ticket price of $149. Arrive at 6:30 pm for a bubbly reception and passed canapes before dinner at 7 pm.

Saturday, June 27

Peach Fest at Martin House Brewing
Peach beers, roadside peaches, live music, and even a special appearance by Princess Peach of the "Super Mario Bros." movies (from 2-3 pm) will make up this afternoon of peachy fun at Martin House. Sip the brewery’s famous Parker County Peach blonde while the kids play in a foam party. There’ll also be food trucks on-site. Wristbands are $20 and are good for four pours and a souvenir pint glass. The event will run from 12-5 pm.

Picnic Day at TX Whiskey Ranch
Back by popular demand, TX Whiskey will host “Picnic Day” at the distillery, featuring TX Whiskey cocktails, live music, and expansive views. A ticket price of $65 includes admission for two with a commemorative TX Whiskey picnic blanket, two drink tickets, and two picnic snack boxes. A food truck will also be onsite. (General admission is $11.99 and includes admission and a cocktail.) The 21-and-up event will run from 12-5 pm.

Barrels & BBQ at Messina Hof Grapevine Winery
Find a taste of Texas summer during this guided pairing featuring four Messina Hof wines matched with four different barbecue small plates. The tasting is $55 and runs from 1-3 pm.