The business district, renamed River Walk Social in fall 2022, has undergone some growing pains since it opened three years ago, Retz said. New restaurants—Whiskey & Smoke, Pie Hole and Underdogs Burgers & Brews—have opened since River Walk Food & Beverage took the reins. Three new restaurants are set to open this year, and other businesses could open in the future.
Two-minute impact
Melissa Demmitt, communications director for the town of Flower Mound, said The River Walk’s new restaurant concepts are helping to generate new energy and opportunity in the area. She said town hall leaders are excited about River Walk Food & Beverage providing additional local dining options to residents and visitors. Retz said Pennywise, an English pub, is set to open this spring. Sugar Fix, which will offer coffee, gelato and pastries, will open in August. Vinifera, a wine and charcuterie lounge, has not announced its opening date yet.
Demmitt said The River Walk’s progress has been affected over the years by various factors, including bankruptcy, COVID-19 and a recent labor shortage.
The River Walk allows for flexibility and versatility, such as residential, ground-floor retail with offices above, and retail and office on the same block, Demmitt said.
Current situation
Tom McGuire moved to the River Walk Villas, located within the River Walk development, in 2018. The Villas are a collection of 97 single-family residences located at the northeast corner of the development, McGuire said, and after River Walk Food & Beverage took over, he has seen positive actions and improvements in a number of areas, including what has happened with the three new restaurants.
“Although I’ve lived in Flower Mound for 25 years, I still know of many residents that have never explored The River Walk or eaten at the restaurants,” he said, adding he hopes people will give them a try.
Retz said The River Walk’s location, which is off the beaten path, and residents’ negative perceptions of the previous restaurants have been a challenge to deal with. But he said his company listens to the community to see what people want and appreciates the positive feedback he receives now on the restaurants.
Diving in deeper
Retz said two of the three buildings that exist for restaurants are being used. A business planning to move into the third backed out.
“We’re currently trying to figure out what we’re putting in that space,” he said, adding it likely will be an entertainment concept or retail space.
The restaurants that were operating when Retz and his team came aboard received negative reviews for their food and service, he said. Because of that, River Walk Social focuses on food quality and service.
The business district is surrounded by a mix of homes mostly developed before the restaurants. Retz said his company has examined the green space north of the buildings and is working with Denton County officials and Judge Andy Eads on a cultural arts center. Retz said plans are still being worked on for pickleball play on top of the parking garage.
Looking ahead
River Walk Social staff markets the company on social media and plans to do more print advertising and focused marketing, Retz said.
Town leaders have supported some measures that could potentially aid in attracting new visitors to the development, such as additional signage to better identify the development and direct visitors to The River Walk’s restaurant row, Demmitt said.
“We focus everything we do on food quality and customer service,” Retz said.
