Sandwich Saviors
Great news: Great American Hero is here to stay. The Lemmon Avenue shop is being revitalized by a pair of investors saving it from imminent demise. (When founder Dominick Olivieri announced he planned to shut down at the end of 2021, the whole city seemingly mourned.)
According to the Dallas Observer, Jacob Cox and Danny Wilson (Rocket Fizz Soda Pop Candy Shop, The Pharmacy, Select Start Arcade & Bar, Pop Culture DTX) have closed a deal with Oliverie after slowly building a relationship with him over the past month: 30 days and 30 sandwiches later, the duo purchased the entire shop, trademark and all. Great American Hero will reopen on January 10. Much will stay the same, but eventually the sandwich shop will have to move due to rising rent. Cox and Wilcon also intend to open a few more locations.
Trompo Closes in Bishop Arts
The taco icon went out with a whimper this past Christmas Eve via an Instagram post that left us wanting. “Oak Cliff, Trompo loves you, we will miss you, it’s been real,” read the post. TheObserver reports that Trompo—much like neighbors The Local Oak and Ten Bells Tavern—is due to be bulldozed.
Owner Luis Olvera is sad to be leaving the neighborhood that gave him his start ever since Bon Appetit labeled the restaurant one of the Best New Restaurants in America in 2016, says the Observer. However, Olvera is already in search of a new spot in Oak Cliff. For the time being, you can satisfy your Trompo cravings at the East Dallas location at 4201 Gaston Avenue.
From Two Sisters to No Sisters
After 32 years in the business, Two Sisters Catering is closing permanently. Citing issues from the labor shortage, supply chain issues, and inflation, owner Connie Chantilis explained in a press release that the current state of the nation has hindered the company’s ability to provide quality food and stellar service.
For nearly three decades, Two Sisters Catering has been a Dallas staple filling hungry bellies at thousands of weddings, anniversaries, graduations, reunions, and other high profile events. Sadly, the only two sisters I’ll be seeing from now on are the ones in my family.
TUPPS Brewery Readies Newer, Bigger Home
The McKinney brewery has had plans to relocate since 2020. Now, reports Dallas Morning News, TUPPS is set to move into its new space on the east side of McKinney this October. According to a brewery rep, the massive venus will boast a 10,000-square-foot taproom, an 8,000-square-foot covered patio, two beer gardens and an outdoor performance stage, a coffee shop, and game areas for adults and kids.
Remembering Pitmaster John Mueller
Texas has lost a barbecue legend. Pitmaster John Mueller died December 16, 2021 after battling a lifelong illness. His passion for barbecue began at an early age, working at his family’s joint Louie Mueller Barbecue.Mueller would eventually split from his father’s business creating his own barbecue joint, John Mueller’s BBQ, switching from a low-and-slow style for a more modern high-heat method. He ushered in a new way to approach barbecue—a game-changer. He would go on to open and close, join and leave many ventures over the course of his ‘cue career.
After spending weeks and then recovering in the hospital last year, Mueller received a job offer from Tracy and Tim Hutchins, who set him up building fires and working at their Hutchins BBQ restaurant in Frisco last summer. It was his final gig.
“Many barbecue cooks in Austin owe their existence to what Mueller started. He changed the game, and will forever leave his imprint on Texas barbecue,” wrote Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn in his eulogy to the pitmaster.
