New specialty drink shop opens across from SMU campus

Rollin Joe’s Sips & Co. opens at 3411 Asbury St. on Friday, Nov. 6, placing a new beverage-focused business directly across from Southern Methodist University. A public preview event is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, from 3 to 7 p.m., allowing residents and students to visit before the official launch.

The 1,373-square-foot location is owned by Jerry W. Mooty Jr., an SMU alumnus, and Kirk Thompson, a hospitality veteran. Mooty, nephew of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, serves as CEO of Christie’s International Real Estate @properties Lone Star. Thompson has previously owned Panera Bread franchises in Kentucky and Florida and Jimmy John’s locations in Austin. The pair developed the concept over more than a decade, with Mooty creating the brand’s central character, “Joe,” after leaving the legal profession in 2012.

The space is designed to function as an all-day gathering area for students, Park Cities residents, and nearby workers. The interior, designed by Alexander Quintanilla of Q-ARC, seats 45 to 50 guests and draws inspiration from vinyl listening lounges. House music plays daily, while live DJs and special programming occur in a designated lounge area. A covered patio and exterior “Quick Sip” window provide options for guests who prefer to order for pickup.

The beverage menu includes classic espresso drinks, specialty coffees, frozen options, matcha, teas, and energy drinks. Standard coffee items are named with playful titles, such as “Gone Swimmin’” for an Americano and “Foam Party” for a cappuccino. Specialty espresso drinks feature unique flavor combinations, including “Liquid Gold” with caramel and vanilla drizzle, and “Funky Monkey” with peanut butter and banana. Frozen options include “Toasted” with mocha and marshmallow, and “Banana Pancakes” with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Beyond coffee, the menu lists fruit-forward refreshers and energy blends. “Little Red Corvette” is a strawberry acai refresher, while “Punch Bowl” combines dragon fruit and orange cream energy with lemonade. The “Herbals” section offers teas and matcha, including “Matcha Libre” and “But Then I Got Chai.”

Food options consist of breakfast and lunch sliders developed in collaboration with King’s Hawaiian. Breakfast sliders include “Bacon Me Crazy” and “Pork & Mindy.” Lunch sliders feature meats such as Genoa salami, capicola, and ham. A chocolate chip cookie finished with flaky sea salt is also available. The shop will operate daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

A mobile app for pre-ordering is planned to launch following the opening. Mooty stated the goal was to create a space that feels fun and welcoming, distinct from a traditional coffee shop. Thompson emphasized the importance of the atmosphere, noting the desire for guests to listen to music and spend time with friends in a comfortable setting.