Shug’s and the Shoyo Team Expand, and a Whimsical New Spot Lands in Trinity Groves

It’s been an unprecedented two years since Bon Appétit named Dallas the 2019 Restaurant City of the Year. But even through a pandemic, our city’s dining scene has persevered. With the overwhelming amount of recent openings (particularly in Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, and downtown), it’s easy to forget that many in the industry are still struggling, but Texas restaurants have been innovating to provide the comfort food — and cocktails — we need. Now, it’s time to look forward to the Dallas restaurant news ahead.

From exciting openings to unfortunate closures (plus, any other food news we might find fitting), The Dallas Dish is your weekly helping of need-to-know North Texas restaurant news.

A new American restaurant is opening in Trinity Groves next month.

The first new dining addition to Trinity Groves since Beto & Son co-owner and chef Julian Rodarte took over as owners is set to open on August 15. Lexy’s is an American restaurant featuring locally-sourced Wagyu, produce from Profound Farms, and is inspired by the experiences and travels of husband-and-wife restaurateur team, Julian and Alexa. Lexy’s will take over the former Casa Rubio and Souk spaces.

Designed by John Paul Valverde (Coevál Studio), the whimsical interiors will feature floral-patterned wall coverings, upholstered pastel seating, and feather chandeliers. An outdoor patio will include an interactive champagne vending machine that guests can order from with the touch of a button.

The menu, led by Director of Culinary Aubrey Murphy, will include elevated American bites like Texas Wagyu, brisket-stuffed avocado croquettes, 32-ounce Tomahawk, and whole snapper. For a romantic dinner, order the chocolate heart with chocolate-covered strawberries for dessert.

A new Japanese eatery from Shoyo owner takes over the former Teppo space.

Down the street from the 27-year-old Teppo on Lower Greenville, Shoyo has been one of the hardest-to-score reservations in town it opened about a year ago. The upscale sushi spot only has 12 seats for an omakase tasting experience that costs $175 per person. According to the Dallas Morning News, Teppo closed a few weeks ago and will be replaced by a more casual, easier to get into Japanese restaurant from Shoyo’s Jimmy Park.

Not yet named, the new restaurant will offer 3o to 40 seats. It’s set to open in early 2023.

A favorite Oak Cliff coffee shop is expanding to a second location.

Opened on Davis Street in 2020, Wayward Coffee Co. comes from friends Noah Irby and Trevin Willison. Founded on community, culture, and great craft coffee, the shop has gained popularity and success over the past two years — enough to expand its business. Wayward just announced on their Instagram that they will be opening a second location in the Design District in the coming weeks.

Great American Hero moves and a favorite bagel spot takes over the iconic spot.

Oak Lawn sandwich shop Great American Hero is closing down its iconic Lemmon Avenue location, but, thankfully, it’s set to move on to a new location in Northeast Dallas in August. Earlier this year, new owners took over the favorite restaurant after longtime owner Dominick Oliverie announced he was closing the business. According to the Dallas Morning News, co-owners Danny Wilson and Jacob Cox want to expand to a franchise across the U.S.

But the most important question: What will take over the famous pink and yellow building? Newcomer to the Dallas bagel scene, Shug’s Bagels, which opened near SMU two years ago (and sees lines out the door nearly every day), will open its second location in the former sandwich shop in the summer of 2023. Owner Justin Shugrue will give the old shop an update, but hopefully the charm of the iconic building will stay intact. The pick-up window will remain, which the first Shug’s does not have.