Crab News
Seafood boil king Shell Shack to open restaurant in south Arlington
Spicy seafood boil from Shell Shack.
A pioneering DFW chain is heading into 2026 with an expansion: Shell Shack, the Dallas-born seafood favorite known for its spicy seafood boils, is opening a new location in Arlington on the south side at 4000 Five Points Blvd. #101.
The location is a former Sleep Experts store, initially slated to become a Paris Baguette (which has since opened a location in Mansfield).
According to a release, Shell Shack will open on April 27, with an opening special on crawfish at $7 per pound from April 27-May 3. (It's usually $10 per pound.)
Shell Shack was founded by entrepreneur Dallas Hale in Uptown Dallas in 2013, with their first location at 2916 McKinney Ave. They left that address in 2018 to relocate to 2326 Henderson Ave. Hale sold the company in 2021 and sadly passed away in his sleep in 2025.
The chain has since expanded with locations in Plano, Fort Worth, Mesquite, and Arlington's Lincoln Square, which opened in 2016. They also opened a location in Lake Highlands in 2022 which has since closed. This new location will be their sixth.
They were was among the first in town to champion the Louisiana-style seafood boil — a restaurant category that has become widespread across Dallas in the past decade.
In Shell Shack's version, diners choose from seafood options like crab, shrimp, lobster tail, or live crawfish, then a flavor option such as Cajun, garlic, lemon pepper, or Kitchen Sink (a combination of all their flavors in one), plus choice of heat from mild to extra spicy.
Each boil is served hot in a bag with corn, potatoes, and sausage, then poured directly onto the table for a hands-on, communal dining experience.
“The boil is really what defines us—it’s not just a meal, it’s an experience,” says Director of Operations Mike Colatarci in a statement. “It’s fun, it’s flavorful, and it brings people together in a way that’s memorable.”
Other seafood options include oysters, catfish, and shrimp in a variety of preparations; po’boy sandwiches; gumbo, crab-stuffed tater tots; and crazy crab fries. They also offer non-seafood dishes such as wings, burgers, and fries.
A full-service bar features specialty cocktails with tropical rum, plus low-price $4 domestic beers, $6 imports, and $5 shot specials all day. Happy Hour starts bright and early at 11 am-2 pm, and again from 10 pm to close.
The new Arlington location is opening in one of the region’s fastest-growing communities, with proximity to Fort Worth and bustling Mansfield.
“We’ve been watching this area for years, and with the growth and energy happening here, the timing is finally right,” Colatarci says.
The restaurant spans 3,727 square feet and has seating for 161, including a 22-seat patio. The space features trademark design elements like lobster trap light fixtures, a nautical-inspired host stand, and an open-concept kitchen, as well as a lively, colorful atmosphere, designed to be both casual and high-energy.
“This brand started in Dallas and has grown because of the incredible support from our guests,” Colatarci says. “Arlington felt like the natural next step—this location allows us to better connect with guests from Arlington, Fort Worth, and Mansfield while continuing to build on what makes Shell Shack special.”
The outdoor patio at Crystal Springs Hideaway. Crystal Springs Hideaway/Facebook 