Thursday, March 28, 2024

Retail and Restaurant Boom at Southlake Town Square

Southlake Town Square has started off 2013 with a retail and restaurant boom. In addition to the opening of Daddy Jack’s Lobster & Chowder House January 11, the 130-acre shopping, dining and entertainment complex announced January 24 that three new tenants have signed leases totaling more than 28,000 square feet: Whole Earth Provision Co., TruFire Kitchen & Bar, and Markham Fine Jewelers.

Bringing New England to Southlake is Daddy Jack’s, which took over the space previously occupied by Cactus Flower Café. Well known for its red checker tablecloths and authentic New England-style seafood, locals have lined up for the lobster rolls, thick clam chowder and fresh seafood. Originally from Nova Scotia, founder “Daddy Jack” Chaplin also owns Chaplin’s in New London, Connecticut. With two other locations in Dallas and Sundance Square, it appears Texans approve of the “northern” menu, as validated by numerous accolades and awards. Daddy’s Jack’s is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Taking over the lower level of the building vacated by Robb & Stucky is Whole Earth Provision Co., a popular Texas-based retailer specializing in clothing and shoes for travel, adventure and fun as well as children’s toys, books and clothing. With locations in Austin, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio, Southlake will be the first store in Tarrant County. Founded in Austin in 1970, the company prides itself on offering a fun, family-friendly environment with carefully chosen, earth-friendly merchandise. The 22,000 square foot store is expected to open in June.

According to spokesperson Johanna Schmidt, the Southlake location will be its largest and elements are being included to reflect the community.

“We found Southlake’s Town Square concept and the energy it creates very appealing. So when the right opportunity came along, we jumped at the chance to join the community,” says Schmidt, describing it as a modern general store. “Southlake will be the ninth and largest Whole Earth Provision Co. store, and we can’t wait to fill it up. We’ll finally have room to showcase all of our favorite merchandise and expand our offerings of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, travel gear, toys and gifts.”

Coming in late April is TruFire Kitchen & Bar, located at 1239 Main Street (previously Jack’s Porch). With a tagline of “Life Happens in the Kitchen,” TruFire describes itself as cozy, warm and welcoming. Open daily for lunch and dinner, TruFire’s menu is a blend of Mediterranean, Italian and American cuisine — roasted mussels, caprese salad, shrimp diablo pizza, open faced lasagna and spicy garlic noodles are a few examples. TruFire Kitchen & Bar opened in Frisco in 2008; Southlake is the second location.

Adding some “bling” to the retail mix is Markham Fine Jewelers, which will open early summer at 218 State Street between Francesca’s and Jamba Juice. A North Texas third-generation jeweler, Markham specializes in bridal, designer and custom jewelry, and fine Swiss watches. Shoppers will be able to choose from a stunning collection of jewelry designers including Roberto Coin, Jude Frances, Tacori, Dior, Breitling and Bvlgari.

And there is more to come! A public meeting, hosted by Southlake Program for the Involvement of Neighborhoods (SPIN), was held February 11 for a proposed Del Frisco’s Grille at Southlake Town Square. If approved by Planning & Zoning and City Council, the approximate 8,000 square foot, two-story building would be built at the northeast corner of Carroll Avenue and Southlake Boulevard.

Since opening in March 1999, Southlake Town Square has become THE shopping, dining and entertainment destination for not only Southlake residents, but people throughout the metroplex and visitors to the area. With more than 120 shops and restaurants, a 14-screen Harkins theater, upscale Hilton hotel, city government complex, plus businesses and residences, Southlake Town Square has set the bar for successful mixed-use developments. For the latest information about Town Square events and happenings, go to www.southlaketownsquare.com.