After a three-year, $255-million renovation, the Statler hotel reopened in October as part of the Curio Collection by Hilton portfolio. Originally established in 1956 by Conrad Hilton, the hotel is an iconic Dallas landmark with a rich history of hosting high-profile guests and performers like Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Michael Jackson. The hotel overlooks Main Street Gardens and includes 159 guest rooms, 219 residences, five food and beverage outlets, retail space, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool. A total of 33,000 square feet of flexible meeting space is available for events, including the 11,500-square-foot Grand Ballroom, which accommodates 1,444 guests for receptions or 890 for seated banquets; the 3,741-square-foot Embassy Room, with space for 468 theater-style, 234 classroom-style, or 288 for banquets; and the Walker Room, which seats eight people as a boardroom or holds about 30 theater-style.
Dee Lincoln Prime opened at the Star in Frisco in December. The fine-dining restaurant features eclectic food and beverage choices, with a mix of high-end steaks, a sushi bar, more than 30 varieties of tequila, and a 2,100-bottle climate-controlled wine cellar. The striking 8,000-square-foot venue seats 20 guests at the bar and 200 in the main dining room. Three private dining rooms can accommodate as many as 90 additional guests.
Serving American-Chinese cuisine, Gung Ho opened in February. Measuring 4,900 square feet, the main dining room seats 149—with several nooks that can be used for semiprivate events—and a 1,200-square-foot patio seats 40. There’s also an upstairs bar that seats 20. The menu includes both new and traditional dishes, such as crab and coconut fried rice, pickled vegetable egg rolls, and dan dan noodles. The bar doles out Asian-inspired drinks, from Szechuan peppercorn-infused tequila to shareable scorpion bowls.
As of January, Fort Worth boasts the largest whiskey distillery west of the Mississippi River. Set on a 112-acre property that was formerly Glen Garden Golf Club, Whiskey Ranch includes an 18-hole golf course and is now home to Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co. The property can accommodate 300 guests for private gatherings in multiple indoor and outdoor areas, including the Courtyard, the Ranch House, TX Tavern, the Oak Room, and the Back Porch. The interior of the distillery features reclaimed wood and metals, and planners can arrange for tours of the facility during events.
The Dallas Arts District welcomed Musumé in January. The contemporary Asian restaurant offers a menu that features sushi alongside elegant dishes such as duck leg confit and grilled lamb lollipops. Patrons can choose from more than 100 varieties of sake as well as an extensive Japanese whiskey list and Asian-inspired cocktails. The decor also draws from Asian culture, with a ceremonial gong hanging by the entrance and nature-centric murals on pillars throughout the space. In total, the restaurant measures 5,000 square feet, with seating for 20 guests at the bar, 100 in the main dining room, and 60 in the private dining room.
American eats and craft beer go hand in hand at White Rock Alehouse & Brewery, which opened in Lakewood in November. Situated near White Rock Lake and the Santa Fe Trail, the brewpub offers 4,000 square feet of indoor space as well as a 4,000-square-foot patio and beer garden, with seating for 128 inside and 200 outside. In addition to an extensive beer selection, the brewpub also produces its own seasonal varieties on site. The food menu features creative twists on classic dishes, like crab-stuffed tater tots, beer-braised pork shoulder nachos, and peanut butter cheesecake.
Chef Javier Perez opened Crudo Italian in Preston Center in January. The menu features signature dishes like pistachio-crusted lamb chops, oven-roasted chicken al limone, and pappardelle Bolognese, as well as wood-fired pizza and flatbreads. In total, the restaurant measures 5,000 square feet, with seating for 60 in the main dining room, 30 in the upstairs bar and lounge, and 10 in the private dining room. A 600-square-foot climate-controlled patio seats 32 or fits 60 guests cocktail style.
Bulla Gastrobar opened in February, bringing a dose of Spanish culture, cuisine, and hospitality to the Legacy West district in Plano. The upscale chain’s menu features traditional tapas like tortilla espanola, patatas bravas and gazpacho, alongside cured meats, salads, sandwiches, and cheeses. Featuring vivid blue tiles, chalkboard art, and an open kitchen, Bulla offers an upbeat vibe. For events, the 5,806-square-foot venue includes two private rooms that can be combined to seat 40 guests or hold 60 for receptions, as well as a 48-seat patio. A state-of-the-art sound system and two projector screens are available.
Based in Fort Worth for 20 years, improvisation group Four Day Weekend opened a second theater in February in Dallas. The newly remodeled space—dubbed Four Day Weekend East—is available to rent for events and includes a built-in sound system, microphones, a projector, and a screen for presentations and video; a technical director is available as needed. Cabaret-style seating accommodates 110 guests on the main level and 40 in the balcony. The theater includes a bar, and planners can hire their own caterer or the venue can arrange for third-party catering. The facility rental fee is waived for events at which Four Day Weekend performs.
In February, El Famoso opened at Gables Water Street, a mixed-use development in Las Colinas. With decor reminiscent of a 1930s Los Angeles diner, the 1,900-square-foot indoor dining area seats 50, and the 800-square-foot patio fits 85 guests for cocktail-style events. Patrons enjoy Mexican comfort food like tacos, burritos, and enchiladas alongside American diner staples like burgers and chili.
