Locally Owned Restaurants Dominate October Openings in Dallas County

New independent restaurants opened across Dallas County in October, shifting the focus away from imported concepts and toward local ownership and community roots. The month saw a steady stream of debuts in North Dallas, Deep Ellum, Oak Cliff, and the Design District, offering diners a variety of new options.

Marsha Telfer reopened Coco’s Caribbean Haus at 4940 State Highway 121 in North Dallas. Telfer previously owned Reggae Jerk Hut, which was the first Caribbean restaurant in McKinney. After selling that business to pursue real estate, she returned to the kitchen. Her mother and husband now cook family recipes in the new location.

Deep Ellum welcomed Boots & Booze Courtyard at 3014 Main St. The all-day venue serves alcohol and food and also functions as a wedding space. It is located next to Terry Black, another Deep Ellum establishment.

In Bishop Arts, Trapèze opened at 240 W Eighth St. Owners Peter Novotny and Dan Murray, who run Ruins and Armoury D.E. in Deep Ellum, created the French bohemian bar and bistro. The space is a repurposed bungalow designed to feel like an old-fashioned artist’s enclave.

Oak Cliff saw two new food spots. El Jardin Cafe opened at 714 W Davis St., serving Mexican coffee and pastries. Nearby, Barro y Fuego moved into the refurbished East Dock at 900 E Clarendon Drive. The Pan-Latin restaurant is operated by Robert Ramirez, who led the East Dock revival, and former Chopped champion Eric Spigner, who won the competition in 2021.

The Design District added Juliet at 1400 Hi Line Drive. The steakhouse, which originated in Houston, opened near the existing Delilah restaurant. In Uptown, Starboy’s Pizzeria began serving customers at 4711 Maple Ave. inside a food court. Owner John Flores named the pizzeria after his interest in the Dallas Cowboys and space. The food hall was previously associated with Ray Quintanilla and Mico Rodriguez, who passed away last month.

Frisco and Allen also received new dining options. The Imperial Room opened at 3685 The Star Blvd. in Frisco, operated by PILF Hospitality Group. In Allen, The COACH Coffee Shop opened at 820 W. Stacy Road, offering branded sweets and coffee drinks.

Addison and Uptown rounded out the month with Flight Club at 5100 Belt Line Road and a second Uptown location for The Gem Organic Food & Juice Bar at 2101 Cedar Springs Road. The Gem location is next to Flower Child and is the third metro-area site for the chain, which has operated in Dallas since 2012. The other locations are in Preston Forest and off Luther Lane in Preston Center.