Hot Summer Restaurant Openings: Michael Irvin, Brick & Bones and Lubellas

Bishop Arts is aiming for s(world) peace at its newest vegan soft-serve shop, McKinney is getting brunch like Thanos got infinity stones, East Dallas has lost a watering hole and more. And by more we mean, Michael Irvin is in the restaurant business.

Playmakers88

5005 State Highway 121, The Colony

Three-time Super Bowl Champion Michael Irvin is opening a new restaurant in The Colony on July 12. Playmaker88 is a 7,000-square-foot heaven for Cowboys fans. Walls are decked out in flat screens for all the sports watching and a menu from local chef Rassaun “RJ” Johnson has dishes like crab cakes, burgers, pasta and seafood. You know this is going to be a good time.

Hongyuan Dumplings & Noodles

3921 W. Park Blvd., Plano

Plano is no stranger to Chinese food, yet Hongyuan Dumplings and Noodles is still the talk of town after opening earlier this summer. They’re most famous for their hand-pulled noodles, but the soup dumplings are on the rise to fame as well. Sounds like a night for takeout is in order.

Broken Yolk Cafe

6651 Alma Road, McKinney

This cafe, made famous on Man vs. Food, opened recently in McKinney. While Broken Yolk Cafe doesn’t appear to offer the Iron Man food challenge anymore, it does have an extensive menu, dog-friendly patio, indoor/outdoor bar, Instagrammable mural and cowboy hat wall. Brunch, anyone?

Cane Rosso

7150 Skillman St. & 5421 The Station Blvd., Sachse

Cane Rosso has expanded across Dallas since the original location in Deep Ellum opened in 2011. The latest opening was in Lake Highlands on June 19, but another is already set to open in Sasche by the end of 2024. Guy Fieri said their pizza was “gangsta." Nuff said.

Swirled Peace

309 W. Eighth St.

It doesn’t get more Bishop Art-sy than a 100% vegan soft-serve ice cream shop. Right now there are six flavors, including Mexican vanilla and Oreo and white chocolate. Plus, a bunch of bins full of vegan toppings like sprinkles, berries, chopped peanuts, chocolate chips and pretzels. They’re right on time. We’re all melting in this heat.

Lubellas Patisserie

10323 Ferguson Road

This popular East Dallas bakery is reopening in a bigger and better space inside the Casa View Shopping Center. It closed in May for the expansion, and the neighborhood is thrilled that it's back serving its sought-after baked goods and brunch service.

Brick & Bones Backyard

3410 Main St., Rowlett

Beloved dive bar Brick & Bones in Deep Ellum is expanding to the heart of Rowlett. The new ‘backyard’ concept has the same Mexican-inspired fried chicken, curated spirits and cocktails that put the place on the map, but they’ve upped their game with rotisserie chicken. Upstairs is a private dining room surrounded by windows that’s perfect for private dining and parties.

CLOSINGS

Craft Beer Cellar

6324 Gaston Ave.

This Lakewood favorite almost made it to a decade-long run before announcing its closure on Instagram. The announcement, made with mixed emotions, attributed the closure at the end of July to certain circumstances including an expiring lease. The final day is July 31 or sooner, depending on inventory.

Federales

2820 Commerce St.

Last week, Federales closed, announcing its departure via Instagram and leaving behind a 14,000-square-foot hole in Deep Ellum. Whoever comes in next has big shoes to fill.