“This is the best restaurant I have ever done,” says Steve Hartnett. “It includes everything I have ever learned in the business.” Hartnett created Fox & Hound, (80-ish locations), Cool River (Dallas, Austin, Denver), and Flip’s Patio Grill in Grapevine. He currently owns Bob’s Steak & Chop House in Grapevine. Outside of the local restaurant business, Hartnett owns millions in real estate (and a penthouse apartment) in Dubai. Oh, and he is a distant uncle to Josh. Hartnett.
So why was Hartnett unable to take my phone call on Wednesday? “I’m on a ladder mounting a lion head,” he said as the phone dropped to the floor. He’s a hands-on operator who delights in putting on the finishing touches. Tonight and tomorrow night will be a soft opening weekend for invited friends and family. (And maybe distant nephews?)
I hope he has a lot of them, Flip’s Patio Grill is 15,000 square feet and includes a huge outdoor patio. The menu centers on freshly ground and hand-formers burgers. Like Cool River, there will be pool and other games. Flip’s is located in the NE retail area of Western Center Blvd and IH35W on Fossil Bluff Dr. Flip’s opens to the public on Monday, April 27th.
