Amber D. Browne
(She/Her)
As seen in:
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Food and beverage, education, lifestyle, health and wellness, business, home design
Educator, author, and freelance writer/editor with a focus on hospitality, wellness, education, and lifestyle content. Contact me at amberdbrowne@gmail.com.
Articles by Amber D. Browne
What Now Media Group Expands Accelerate Program
As What Now Media Group now reports on restaurant and hospitality news in 31 cities across the United States, CEO and Founder Caleb J. Spivak has a new addition to his growing business development arm of the online media outlet. In 2017, What Now Atlanta began hosting Accelerate events to bring together local restaurant owners and entrepreneurs with Preferred Partners to share tips and offer services related to opening, building, and growing a business.
Authentic Irish Pub Opening in Granbury
Coming soon to Granbury—authentic Irish pub, The Pub McDonough. The new restaurant will serve traditional Irish dishes, pints, and signature cocktails, as well as feature live Irish/Celtic music. The Pub McDonough is owned by Kevin and Mary McDonough. According to the The Pub McDonough website, “Our pub will be the perfect place to gather with friends, enjoy live music performances, and cheer on your favorite sports teams.
Celina Proposed Home of Abbott’s Frozen Custard
A frozen custard shop founded in Rochester, New York in 1926 is moving into the Lone Star State with one location planned for Celina. CEO Barry Barron of Dallas-based Southern Scoops LLC will lead the Texas franchise expansion of Abbott’s Frozen Custard. A recent project filing lists a planned North Texas spot at West Frontier Pkwy. and Prairie Crossing in Celina. Construction on the nearly 1,250-square-foot space is expected to kick off in late 2023 and wrap up in the spring of 2024.
West-African Catering Company Plans Brick-and-Mortar
It looks like a locally-owned bakery specializing in authentic West-African finger foods is getting a brick-and-mortar. Pastry Queens currently caters and ships its savory creations, but according to a recent project filing, the bakery is planning a spot at 6220 Chase Oaks Blvd., #104 in Plano. The filing states the finish out for the bakery will include plumbing, mill work, electrical, and wall demolition. Construction could wrap up by late November of this year.
Flora Cantina Coming Soon to Dallas
A new modern Tex-Mex concept is tentatively set to open later this year at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas. Flora Cantina will feature “regional Texan and Mexican cuisines and cocktails in the Dallas Arts District,” according to the brand’s website. The Flora Cantina menu has plenty to offer its guests including Tableside Tapas, bowls, salads, and tacos.
Anna Proposed Home of Scooter’s Coffee
Scooter’s Coffee is planning a convenient drive-thru spot in Anna. The latest addition to the quick-service coffee franchise will be located at 1440 W White St., Anna, TX 75409, according to a recent project filing. The new building kiosk will be about 700-square-feet and include drive-thru service. Construction is expected to wrap up in late February 2024, but there is no official word on when the new Scooter’s Coffee will begin serving customers.
Nothing Bundt Cakes Proposed for Fort Worth
It looks like a Nothing Bundt Cakes will begin serving its flavorful desserts near Alliance Town Center in Fort Worth in coming months. The newest addition to the brand is set to open at 3251 Tracewood Way, Ste. 111, Fort Worth, TX 76177, according to a recent project filing. The filing states the 1,900-square-foot space will undergo a first generation tenant finish out for the cake bakery. Construction could wrap up sometime this fall.
Wine Bar With Rooftop Patio Opening in Prosper
A wine bar featuring a rooftop patio is opening soon in Downtown Prosper. Prosper Wine House is tentatively set to hold a soft opening in late September, according to the brand’s Facebook page. Owners Mike and Trina Lopez share a love for wine and wanted to open their own wine bar. They are both from Texas, and their wine bar will “exemplify the warm hospitality and good company native to the Lone Star State,” according to the Prosper Wine House website.
Bad Chicken Relocating in Dallas
A Dallas fast-casual concept that has been dishing up fresh chicken, homemade sauces, and made-from-scratch desserts since late 2022 is making a move. Bad Chicken is relocating from its test kitchen in Preston Center to a permanent spot at Ross and Henderson this winter. Bad Chicken’s new spot at 5014 Ross Ave. in Dallas will feature a large family-friendly patio, digital game boards in the dining room, a drive-thru, and a revamped menu.
Waxahachie Proposed Site of Dutch Bros Coffee
Quick-service coffee brand Dutch Bros Coffee is expected to open a drive-thru in Waxahachie. That’s according to a recent project filing that puts the new build at 1995 N Hwy. 77 in Waxahachie. Construction could kick off this fall and wrap up in May of 2024. This location would mark the first in Waxahachie for Dutch Bros. The filing states the new, 950-square-foot building would include a drive-thru window and a walk-up service window. No indoor service will be provided to customers.
Ferah Smokehouse and Cantina Coming Soon to Wylie
A new concept from the owners of Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen is opening in Wylie. Ferah Smokehouse & Cantina will offer diners a chef-driven fusion of barbecue and Tex-Mex dishes. Ferah Smokehouse & Cantina will be located at 950 S. Westgate Way in Wylie, according to a recent project filing. A Wylie Chamber of Commerce Facebook post states the building is near Seventy8 & Westgate apartment homes just across the street from The Home Depot.
White Rock Coffee to Open in Dallas‘ Lakewood Neighborhood
White Rock Coffee is adding its seventh Dallas area location. This time, the coffeehouse will open in the heart of historic Downtown Lakewood at 6312 La Vista Dr. in Dallas, according to the brand’s website. Nancy and Bob Baker opened the original White Rock Coffee in Lake Highlands back in 2005 with one purpose in mind: “become part of the neighborhood,” per the website. Nearly two decades later, the brand has six locations and a roastery in operation in the Dallas area.
Arizona-Based The Sicilian Butcher Proposes Fort Worth Site
The Sicilian Butcher, which offers craft meatballs and a five-foot charcuterie board, is planning to open a location in Fort Worth. The Fort Worth spot could become the first for The Sicilian Butcher in Texas. The Italian restaurant is expected to open at 3240 Tracewood Way, Ste. 120 at Alliance Town Center, according to a recent state project filing.
Salad and Go on the Go in DFW
Two more Salad and Go locations are in the works for the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Salad and Go has been in expansion mode across DFW over the past couple of years, and now, plans are to open in Euless and Flower Mound. According to a recent state project filing, Salad and Go will open at 2120 Rio Grande Blvd. near Highway 121 and Cheek-Sparger Rd. in Euless. Construction is expected to kick off in early 2024 and wrap up next summer.
Midlothian Spot Planned for New Salata
It looks like a spot has been selected for Midlothian’s planned Salata. According to a recent project filing, the fast-casual brand will open at Harvest Hill Town Center. The buildout is expected to wrap up on the 2,400-square-foot space at 320 Harvest Hill Dr., Bldg. A in Midlothian in February 2024. The brand announced earlier this year that Rachel Proctor, Mayor of DeSoto, will develop the new Salata storefront in Midlothian, as well as locations in Waxahachie and in DeSoto.
Irving Proposed Home of Banh Shop
Irving will gain a restaurant specializing in the Vietnamese cuisine, Banh Mi, a baguette sandwich filled with a variety of ingredients including meat, pickled vegetables, and chili peppers. Banh Shop is set to open at MacArthur Park in Irving in coming months. Banh Shop offers a menu of Asian bowls, soups, salads, and sandwiches. Signature bowls include fried rice, green curry, and Pad Thai. A variety of Banh Mi sandwich options are offered including turkey, pork meatball, and grilled steak.
Brunch Spot Planned for Fort Worth
Hash Kitchen, dubbed home of the original build-your-own Bloody Mary bar, is planning to open in Fort Worth. That’s according to a state project filing that lists the new tenant at Interstate-35W and Heritage Trace Pkwy., Fort Worth, TX 76177. Before Hash Kitchen can open to the public, the 5,000-square-foot space must undergo a tenant finish-out, which could wrap up in late 2023, according to the filing.
Pattea Lou’s Tea Room to Open in Keller
A new tea room is tentatively set to open in Keller this fall. Pattea Lou’s Tea Room will offer finger sandwiches, chocolates, and both hot and cold tea options, according to a City of Keller Facebook post. Pattea Lou’s will also feature baked items from local bakeries, as well as arts and craft kits to create on-site or enjoy at home, gift items, and books. Diners can savor a hot tea and a pastry at the café, and a formal tea room will be available for reservations.
Terrell is Planned Home of McAlister’s Deli
McAlister’s Deli is opening a spot at Crossroads at Terrell. The new location for the restaurant that specializes in sandwiches, soups, salads, and spuds will be located at 516 American Way in Terrell, according to a recent project filing and a job post SnagAJob.com. The project filing states construction on the tenant build-out could wrap up in mid-November, but there is no official word on when McAlister’s will begin serving customers.
Anthony’s Eatalian in Dallas to Relocate
A Dallas restaurant specializing in classic Italian comfort food is relocating to a new spot just a short distance away from its current location. Anthony’s Eatalian plans to make the move in late 2023 from 3751 Forest Lane to 3797 Forest Lane, the former home of Boston Market, which closed last fall. Over the years, even during the Pandemic, Anthony’s grew its customer base, so the restaurant has simply outgrown its space.
Quick, Healthy Food Options Headed to Fate
It looks like Salad and Go is planning to expand just east of Dallas. A recent state project filing lists Fate as a proposed site for the drive-thru chain that focuses on inexpensive but healthful food options. The project filing lists the planned address as 4950 East Interstate 30 in Fate. Construction could begin on the 865-square-foot restaurant in early 2024 and wrap up sometime next summer. The Salad and Go menu is full of healthy options made with fresh, quality ingredients, at a low cost.
Burleson Diners to Gain Pei Wei Asian Kitchen Option
It looks like a new Pei Wei Asian Kitchen could now open in Burleson in the spring of 2024. That’s according to a recent project filing that states construction on the new location could kick off in early fall and wrap up in late March next year.
Smoothie King Plans DFW Expansion
Smoothie King recently announced the signing up a multi-unit development agreement to bring 15 new locations to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Franchisee Mohammed Azaz of HIBA-SK LLC will lead the DFW expansion after acquiring six existing Smoothie King locations in the fall of 2022. The DFW expansion builds on the development momentum that Smoothie King has sustained in recent months, remaining on pace to open 100 locations before the end of 2023.
Grand Prairie Proposed Home of bb.q Chicken
It appears that bb.q Chicken will make a new home for itself in Grand Prairie. The Korean fried chicken brand already has about half a dozen locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and according to a recent project filing, construction on the Grand Prairie storefront could wrap up in the summer of 2024. The tenant listed on the filing is Danny Doan. Doan is a bb.q Chicken franchisee who also operates locations in Arlington, Fort Worth, and Richardson, according to the brand’s website.
DFW to Gain Vegas-Based Fresh Casual Eatery
A fresh casual eatery based in Nevada is moving into the Lone Star State. Rachel’s Kitchen announced last week that it plans to expand into the city of Dallas. The brand was founded in 2006 by entrepreneur Debbie Roxarzade and has grown to eight locations in the Las Vegas area.
Dallas Proposed Home of New Firehouse Subs
It looks like Dallas will gain a new Firehouse Subs at Interstate 635 and the Dallas North Tollway. That’s according to a recent project filing. Firehouse Subs was founded by firemen back in 1994, and the franchise now has more than 1,200 locations with several dozen of those in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The restaurant offers a variety of sandwiches and salads.
Travelers at DFW Airport to Enjoy Private, Luxury Facility in 2024
A private, luxury airport facility for commercial flights is now tentatively set to open at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport in the spring of 2024. PS at DFW will offer a unique pre- and post-flight experience, serving as an alternative from the main terminals for passengers on commercial flights. As a PS member, commercial travelers can bypass the public terminals to indulge in a private and seamless travel experience.
Elevated Restaurant Celebrating Indian Cuisines to Open in Irving
An elevated restaurant that will pay homage to 3,500 years of rich historic Indian cuisines will open in the Las Colinas community in late 2023. Sanjh, which means evenings in Hindi, is the product of two experienced hospitality and restaurant industry veterans, Sanjay Joshi and Prob Arora. Sanjh will be located at 5228 N O’Connor Blvd. Ste. 126 in Irving.
Sherman Residents to Gain Delicious Dessert Option
Nothing Bundt Cakes is well-known for its flavorful Bundt cakes topped with its signature cream cheese frosting. And soon, residents in Sherman could get a chance to enjoy these tasty desserts. Nothing Bundt Cakes offers sweet treats for all occasions including birthdays, graduations, wedding showers, and more. A variety of Bundt cake flavors such as red velvet, chocolate, lemon, and others are offered in 8-inch or 10-inch sizes and tiered cakes, which can be left plain or decorated.
Swig Slated to Open in Keller
A Utah-based drive-thru chain that focuses its menu on a variety of flavorful sodas is slated to open in Keller. Guests could begin enjoying drinks from Swig in the spring of 2024. Founder Nicole Tanner opened Swig in Utah back in 2010, and the brand now offers personalized drinks, customized energy drinks, boba teas, cookies, and more to residents in multiple states.
Forney Set to Gain New Torchy’s Tacos
The home of Damn Good Tacos appears to be opening a spot in Forney. Torchy’s Tacos could open at 590 W US Hwy. 80, Ste. 592 in Forney, according to a recent project filing. Torchy’s Tacos offers guests tasty tacos, frozen margaritas, and more. The menu features items that are made from scratch using fresh, responsibly-sourced ingredients. Each month, Torchy’s features a favorite with Baja Taco listed as August’s Taco of the Month.
Henry’s Majestic to Reopen This Fall
A Dallas restaurant that originally opened at 4900 McKinney at Monticello in 2014 and shut its doors after the building sold in fall of 2022 is slated to reopen in coming months. Henry Majestic’s owners Andrew Popp and his wife, Feliza Macias, have taken over the former home of Chicken Scratch/The Foundry in West Dallas to reopen the restaurant. “Our motto at Henry’s Majestic has always been ‘Good Food.
Fort Worth to Gain Portillo’s
The next North Texas spot for Portillo’s, the restaurant with a focus on Chicago-style street food, is Fort Worth. Portillo’s announced yesterday on the restaurant’s website that they plan to open a new location about 10 miles from Texas Motor Speedway on North Tarrant Parkway between Interstate 35 and Highway 287. The 7,800-square-foot restaurant will feature a garage-style design with indoor seats available for 180 guests plus another 50 outside on the patio.
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Fusion Restaurant Focusing on Texan, Japanese Flavors Planned
An Asian fusion restaurant with a focus on traditional Japanese hand-held rice balls is opening in Dallas. GoGogiri is expected to open at 17421 Preston Rd. in North Dallas sometime in September, according to a CultureMap Dallas article. The menu includes a variety of “rice balls” or onigiri that are filled with ingredients. Some options are Wagyu Beef, Gung Ho Chicken, Roasted Pork, and Shrimp Tempura.
Hawaiian-Style Eatery Opening Soon in Forney
Mo’ Bettahs is opening in Forney later this summer, possibly by the end of August. The new storefront for the Hawaiian-style eatery will be located at 572 W US-80 Frontage Rd., Forney, TX 75126, according to the brand’s website. The Mo’ Bettahs menu features three plate sizes from mini to Ekolu, meaning “Da Big Boy.” Protein options of teriyaki chicken, teriyaki steak, shrimp tempura, and Kalua Pig are served with white or brown rice and macaroni salad.
The Shops at Highland Village to Gain The Cheesecake Factory
The Cheesecake Factory is opening at The Shops at Highland Village. The upscale casual dining restaurant is expected to take over the space of a former Barnes & Noble at 4100 Deer Creek, Ste. 100 in Highland Village. The Shops at Highland Village confirmed the addition of The Cheesecake Factory stating on its website that the restaurant is opening soon. According to a project filing several months ago, the space must undergo renovations, which could wrap up in late fall.
New Restaurant Concept, Birdie’s Eastside, to Open in Dallas
A new restaurant concept from Jon Alexis’ Imperial Fizz Hospitality, known for TJ’s Seafood, Escondido Tex Mex, and Ramble Room, will open in Dallas in early winter of 2023. Birdie’s Eastside will take over the former Luby’s at 6221 E Mockingbird Ln. “Owning this property gives us a unique opportunity – we can build a neighborhood institution for decades. We hope to be in the background of your happiest East Dallas memories,” Alexis said in a press release.
Panda Express Proposes Dallas Spot
Dallas diners are set to gain another location to enjoy their favorites from Panda Express. That’s according to a recent project filing that states a Panda Express is planned for Interstate-635 and Greenville Ave. in Dallas. Construction on the new, ground-up, 2,600-square-foot restaurant is expected to be complete by late spring of 2024. There’s no official word on when the new Panda Express location in Dallas might open to the public.
Banh Shop Planned for Fort Worth
Banh Shop, a restaurant specializing in authentic Asian bowls, soups, salads, and sandwiches, is opening near Texas Christian University, possibly sometime before the end of 2023. Banh Shop will open in the space that previously held Pizza Snob at 3051 S University Dr. in Fort Worth. The brand has another North Texas location at the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. Banh Shop offers a variety of signature bowls including fried rice, green curry, and Pad Thai.
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen Proposes New Home in Grand Prairie
It looks like Pei Wei Asian Kitchen will open a location in Grand Prairie in coming months. Pei Wei Asian Kitchen is the second largest Chinese fast-casual restaurant chain in the U.S. with about 200 locations. Pei Wei has about two dozen locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, but this appears to be the first for Grand Prairie. The newest spot will open at 2810 South State Highway 161 in Grand Prairie, according to a recent project filing.
Thai Spice Moving to New Location
A Dallas Thai restaurant is making a move to Frisco. Thai Spice served customers for a final time last Friday at 18111 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 200 in Dallas, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page. Thai Spice will open in coming months at 13355 Dallas Pkwy., Ste. 600 in Frisco. A recent project filing states construction on the 2,000-square-foot space in Ste. 600 is expected to begin next month and wrap up sometime in late fall.
Second McKinney Spot Proposed for Swig
It appears Swig is planning another McKinney spot. The drive-thru specialty drink chain is proposing a location at 6080 West Eldorado Pkwy. in McKinney, according to a recent project filing. Construction on the 600-square-foot building could kick off later this summer and wrap up in the fall. There’s no official word on when Swig might open to begin serving guests flavorful drinks and sweets. The brand offers personalized drinks and customized energy drinks.
JARS Sweets and Things Coming Soon to Fort Worth
Sweet treats from celebrity chef and restaurateur Fabio Viviani will soon be offered in Fort Worth. JARS Sweets & Things is expected to open at 3000 S Hulen St., Ste. 150. A recent project filing states construction on the 2,300-square-foot space could wrap up in early fall, so the new JARS could open to the public by the end of 2023. Franchisees Jason and Tejal Wible, who also own and operate Dogtopia, are bringing the concept to Fort Worth.
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Specialty drinks and treats are available at this drive-thru.
Twitch Coffee to Open Two DFW Spots
Two locations for a new coffee concept are opening soon to North Texas. Twitch Coffee is set to open at 7836 Crowley Rd. in Fort Worth in early August, while a second location is tentatively set to begin serving customers at 937 N Cummings Dr. in Alvarado in late August or early September.
New Irish Pub Planned for Downtown Dallas
A sister pub to Dallas’ Cannon’s Corner Irish Pub is in the works for Downtown Dallas. Kennedy’s Irish Pub is expected to open sometime this fall, according to a post on the Cannon’s Corner Irish Pub Facebook page. The new concept comes from Dublin, Ireland-native Alan Kearney, who has opened a number of other Irish Pubs across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.
Esco Restaurant and Tapas to Open in Dallas
A restaurant founded by Grammy Award-winning rapper 2 Chainz and Mychel “Snoop” Dillard is making its way into Texas. Esco Restaurant and Tapas is coming soon to Dallas, according to the restaurant’s website. The restaurant brand that boasts good food and good vibes first opened in Atlanta in 2016. Esco now has several locations in Georgia and one opening soon in Memphis, Tennessee.
First Texas Locations Planned for Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe
A quick-service restaurant focused on creating toasted sandwiches, salads, soups, and pizzas is moving into the Lone Star State. Pickleman’s Gourmet Cafe is “coming soon to Texas,” according to the website of the Missouri-based brand founded in 2005. A recent project filing has one Pickleman’s location popping up at 4020 West University Dr., Ste. 400 in McKinney.
Dayne’s Craft Barbecue to Open First Brick-and-Mortar
Aledo is getting a new barbecue joint. Dayne’s Craft Barbecue is set to open at 100 S Front St. in Aledo in a space soon to be left vacant by Montes Burritos. Sign up now to get our Daily Breaking News Alerts Opt out at anytime Montes Burritos announced on social media late last week that this Friday would be the Mexican restaurant’s last day to serve customers. Dayne’s Craft Barbecue, which is currently serving its menu from a food trailer on Camp Bowie W Blvd.
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