Where do you think Reata Restaurant should go next? The downtown staple is leaving the choice up to you.

The restaurant announced yesterday that it’s leaving Sundance Square after nearly two decades on the scene. The southwestern-style restaurant said its lease is up in June 2024 + is looking for other locations to better accommodate guests.

A little backstory

Reata opened its first location in Alpine, Texas – about 7 hours southwest of the city — in 1995. The restaurant expanded to Fort Worth in 1996 when it opened on the 35th floor of The Tower (formerly known as Bank One Tower). Just four years later in 2000, an F3 tornado ripped through downtown, damaging numerous buildings, including Bank One Tower.

Despite the devastation, the restaurant brushed itself off, picked up the pieces, and reopened within six weeks. Later in 2002, it moved to its current location at the corner of Houston and W. 3rd Streets.

A local icon

Some of the city’s most notable chefs have come out of Reata, including Louis Lambert of Roy Pope Grocery and Tim Love — who owns other local staples like the White Elephant Saloon, Woodshed Smokehouse + his flagship restaurant in the Stockyards, Lonesome Dove Western Bistro. Reata also features stylings from the renowned interior designer, Carla Curry, who played a major role on the set of the TV series “Yellowstone” and “1883.”

What’s to come?

Reata is looking for a new place to call home in North Texas – but it won’t be an easy feat. With 250,000 visitors a year, the restaurant needs a space big enough to accommodate guests, private events + parties. Here’s what it’s looking for:

2+ acres of undeveloped land
Or
A building with 12,000-20,000 sqft
Parking lot with 200+ spaces

If you have some ideas on where Reata should relocate, email them here + check out the website for more info.

What’s next for Sundance Square?

What business would you like to see move into the vacant spot? Sundance Square has launched its “Next Big Idea” initiative to help other businesses move into the area. Applications will be accepted through Mon., April 18. Entrepreneurs and artisans interested in opening a retail storefront downtown should apply for a chance to receive marketing + design consulting services.