Ramen News

Last chance to get ramen from acclaimed West 7th Fort Worth restaurant

Ramen and more from Kintaro Ramen

Kintaro

Fort Worth is losing some great ramen: Kintaro Ramen, the ramen shop on West Seventh Street from chef Jesus Garcia, will close for good on September 9.

News of the closure was posted on Facebook, with an expression of gratitude to customers.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the closure of Kintaro Ramen West 7th, effective September 9th, 2024," the post said. "We want to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who has dined with us and supported us over the past four years. Your patronage has been the cornerstone of our success, and we truly appreciate each and every one of you."

The Fort Worth location was a spinoff of the original Kintaro that Garcia and partner Han Le opened in downtown Arlington in 2019. That location remains open.

"The Arlington location is still going strong, and will be our sole focus," Garcia says.

Garcia was the original owner of the Oni Ramen restaurants in Fort Worth and Dallas, which he debuted after making a name for himself as executive chef at Little Lilly Sushi and prior to that, at Sushi Yoko.

He initially opened the Fort Worth Kintaro as a ghost kitchen, doing delivery and take-out, before relocating the concept into the former Oni Ramen space at 2801 W. 7th St. (They also had a location in Farmers Branch which closed in 2022.)

The restaurant was acclaimed for its selection of broths, including miso, tonkotsu (pork), chintan (chicken), curry, and creamy cabbage broth; plus favorites like dumplings and steamed buns.

Garcia says business at the location "did okay" although they only really had one truly profitable year in 2018.

Simultaneously, they've been dealing with aging AC units that need to be replaced. Garcia's partners struck a deal with the landlord that required shutting down the location for an extended renovation. Garcia says he felt it was best to place his focus on Arlington for now.

Meanwhile, the closing note asked for job leads for their staff.

"As we approach our final days, we want to also address an important matter," it said. "Several of our dedicated employees will be seeking new opportunities. If you know of any openings at your restaurant or within your network, please reach out to us for a contact list of our talented team members. Your support in helping them find new positions would be greatly appreciated."

chefs closings

Tex-Mex News

Fort Worth restaurant Los Vaqueros spills dates on upcoming relocation

Courtesy rendering

Rendering of new dining room at Los Vaqueros.

There's an update on beloved Cisneros family Tex-Mex restaurant Los Vaqueros., which will be relocating to the historic Stockyards Exhibits Building at 2513 Rodeo Plaza in 2025.

According to a release, the big move for the restaurant will take place in the thick of the Christmas holiday:

The restaurant will remain open at its 2629 North Main St. location through December 22 at 3 pm. They've been in that space nearly 30 years.
The new location will open on December 26, just in time to ring in the New Year and welcome Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo visitors in January.

“This year has brought unexpected challenges, but also incredible opportunities,” says Cisneros Restaurants Inc. President Vicki Cisneros in a statement. “We are grateful to be able to celebrate one last Christmas season with our friends here before starting a new chapter two blocks down the road at Rodeo Plaza.”

Los Vaqueros Restaurant has brought Tex-Mex cuisine to the historic Stockyards neighborhood since 1982 and to Willow Park since 2008.

The original move was slated to take place in the summer, but they extended the timeline to ensure the space reflects the authentic essence of Los Vaqueros. That included collaborating with Bennett Partners Architecture and Design and IMGC, LLC, the family worked tirelessly to preserve the rich history of the Stockyards while incorporating modern restaurant amenities.

Cisneros says they wanted "to get it just right."

"This is likely the last restaurant my husband Johnny and I will personally oversee, so every detail mattered," she says. "From incorporating historic wood and barn doors from the original building to designing custom chairs, plates, and glassware, the space truly embodies the spirit of Los Vaqueros: it’s about cowboys, ranchers, and Tex-Mex cuisine.”

They also did not want to disrupt family transitions of dining at the restaurant during the Christmas holiday.

"We’re grateful to the building’s new owners for allowing us to stay through the season," Cisnerous says.

Fans can expect some fanfare between December 20–23, when they relocate the illuminated marquee sign to the new location in the 1910–12 Stockyards Exhibits Building — also a historic site, and home to the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame and the John Wayne: An American Experience Museum.

Amenities in the new location will include a banquet room that seats 100, with an adjacent patio that seats 20 and a Fiesta Room that seats 50.

The restaurant will be open until midnight on New Year’s Eve, and will see the launch of “Los Vaqueros After Dark” on the weekends, an extended service that features a menu of enchiladas, tacos, nachos, and specialty breakfast items until 12:30 am, and bar service until 1 am.

Parking is free Sunday-Thursday at the nearby Billy Bob's lot (131 Stockyards Blvd.), excluding special events. On weekends, parking fees apply, but free parking options are available around the perimeter of the Stockyards, as well as separately managed parking lots that offer different rates and occasional coupons.

tex-mex openings