There are things you expect when Garland comes to mind—a variety of cuisine, a diverse community, and miles of outdoor hike-and-bike trails for your next adventure. Then there are some things you may not expect, which cements Garland’s status as an ideal place to live, work, and explore. Whether you are admiring the success of legends who have made their mark in Garland or creating your own success story, Garland is a great place to be. These people and places tell the story of Garland best.
Guitar Mecca
Whether you are looking for a $100 beginner guitar or a $100,000 collector’s guitar, Jimmy Wallace Guitars is where you’ll find it. If you’ve been to the Dallas International Guitar Festival in the past 42 years, you have probably heard of Jimmy Wallace Guitars, organizer of the event. It is considered the largest guitar market in the world. Jimmy Wallace Guitars, located in downtown Garland, is owned by Jimmy Wallace, an Oak Cliff native and avid guitar player who has lived in Garland for 40 years. He has performed with music legends Willie Nelson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Cars, Stephen Stills, Johnny Winter, Gregg Allman, Phil Keaggy, and Todd Rundgren—to name a few. It’s safe to say if you have a question about a guitar, Wallace has the answer. His shop is one of only about a dozen in the world to carry high-end, vintage guitars. “We have over 800 guitars hanging on the walls here,” Wallace says. One of them is a 1959 Les Paul, and it’s not put away in a case where it can only be admired from afar. “This is the kind of place where you can see and touch a guitar that’s worth a quarter-million dollars,” he says. “My vision for the store was to be a place where a kid who loves guitar can come in here, play a classic guitar like the Les Paul, touch it, take a picture with it, and be inspired to keep playing,” Wallace says. “You can buy a $100 guitar here, or just come in for some new guitar strings. You don’t have to have tens of thousands of dollars to shop here.” 514 Main Street, Garland
Hat Capital of the World
Most cities don’t have one hat manufacturer—much less three. Garland is home to three of the world’s foremost manufacturers of western and dress hats. The hats made in Garland have been worn by numerous celebrities, including Harrison Ford. The iconic Indiana Jones hat? It was made in Garland by Milano. Next time you’re in Garland, take time to browse hat shops to add to or start your own collection.
Hatco is where those in the know shop for Stetson and Resistol hat brands. If you have been on the fence about buying an authentic cowboy hat, a trip to this downtown Garland treasure will seal the deal. Shopping here is as much of an experience as it is an opportunity to own something that is just about as Texan as it gets—an authentic cowboy hat. In addition to straw, felt, cloth, and leather hats, you can also score great deals on western boots, clothes for all ages, accessories, and more. Resistol cowboy hats have been manufactured at the Resistol manufacturing plant in Garland since 1938. The Resistol Hat Outlet Store is where you can find the most popular discounted western brands, including Stetson. Here, you’ll get the full experience—choosing the hat and having it professionally steamed and creased to your liking. 601 Marion Drive, Garland
Milano Hat Company, a hat manufacturer based in Garland, wears many hats itself—the official hat maker for the Kentucky Derby, the maker of Biltmore-style fedora hat that Bruno Mars often sports, and the maker of the famous Larry Mahan cowboy boot. Although you can’t buy these signature Texas treasures at Milano Hat Company, those in the know shop JJs House for the Kentucky Derby hats and Cavender’s for the western-style hats and boots.
Master Hatters of Texas, also located in Garland, manufactures the iconic Wrangler hats, helping solidify Garland’s standing as the Hat Capital of Texas! Master Hatters of Texas was established in 1968 and develops its own line of western hats made of fine quality straw, wool, and fur in its 5.5 acres, 50,000-square-foot Garland facility. Customers love the look and the company’s “just in time shipping.” Browse selections here.
Celebrity Chef
Kevin Ashade is a French-trained, Garland-based chef with a colorful culinary history. He recently took the top prize in “Beat Bobby Flay,” but around Garland, he is known for the gourmet fare he creates at his restaurant, Pangea. Ashade, known to many as Chef Kev, is Nigerian-born but claims Dallas as home. A Colony High School alum, Ashade previously displayed his skills at The Oceanaire, Craft at the W Hotel, and through his own catering company, GourmEats. Ashade defeated Flay with his French dish, coq a vin—a dish that can take several hours to make, but Ashade pulled it off in under an hour. He fried the chicken first before putting it in the sauce to braise. Open for dinner and brunch, Pangea is where Garland (and foodies from across Dallas-Fort Worth) gather over steaks and seafood, homemade cornbread with cinnamon butter, lobster mac and cheese, and Cajun pot pie. Brunch favorites range from homemade pop tarts and a variety of eggs benedict to Migas and a chicken brunch burger. 6309 North President George Bush Highway, Suite 8101, Garland
Ghost Kitchen and Virtual Food Hall
Garland’s own Revolving Kitchen is a unique, 25-unit commissary kitchen and production facility that is paving the way for restaurants—local start-ups and nationally known chains–to thrive. Revolving Kitchen enables food producers to build and grow successful businesses by providing infrastructure and commercial equipment on site. “It’s basically a restaurant, but without the front of the house,” says owner and founder Tyler Shin. If you are a fan of the cuisine from Wing City, Mama Ruth’s Chicken, Wow Bao, Social Chicken, Hawaiian Bros, Pastalelos, or and RK Marketplace, thanks—in part—go to Revolving Kitchen, where the flavorful magic takes place.
Can’t decide? Visit Revolving Kitchen’s virtual food hall, which is the very definition of “Unexpected Garland,” where you can bundle a to-go order from multiple restaurants at one time for pick up or delivery. From vegan fare at TLC Vegan to chicken at Wing City to burgers from Five Guys, it’s tonight’s answer to “What’s for dinner?” Revolving Kitchen has become a great way—throughout the pandemic and beyond—for restaurants to have access to a full commercial kitchen without the upfront costs—a business win for restaurants and a tasty win for consumers. 520 Shepherd Dr, Garland
Craft Brews
No trip to Garland is complete without a stop at Lakewood Brewery. It’s a family-owned, independent brewery that crafts a wide variety of fun, easy-to-drink beers. The owner, who was born in Belgium, landed in Texas and began his search for a beer that reminded him of his favorite ales from home. He couldn’t quite find what he was looking for, so he decided to brew his own. He studied the art and science of brewing beer and, today, Lakewood Brewery offers six unique brews year-round along with seasonal, small-batch, and series brews. (Don’t miss the bold, hazy Big D IPA.) In addition to churning out some of the area’s best craft beer, Lakewood Brewery’s large space often hosts events and gatherings – including live music and food trucks. Be sure to follow them on social for upcoming happenings. The taproom is open daily. 2302 Executive Drive, Garland
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