Grapevine Council gives approval to plans for Rock & Brews, Velvet Taco restaurants

Grapevine City Council approved several projects July 20 in a joint public hearing with the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, including conditional use permits for a Rock & Brews restaurant and Velvet Taco restaurant.

The two restaurants will be located at opposite ends of the same planned commercial center, which is located at 440 West SH 114, on the 7 acres that once housed the Payton-Wright Ford automotive dealership, according to city documents.

City Council approved platting for the proposed development, which also includes space for as many as five additional restaurant or retail spaces, according to Brett Anz, a representative who spoke on behalf of TradeCor, LLC, the project’s developer. He said the developer plans to be selective in which tenants fill the remaining spaces.

“We could probably fill up 80% of [the available spaces] today—but it’s with uses and tenants that we’re not enamored with,” Anz told City Council. “We’re looking for national tenants that have a reputation, build a great product and do a great job.”

The property is bordered by Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen to its west, a residential neighborhood to its north, a Wells Fargo bank to its east and the West SH 114 westbound service road to its south.

The requests earned unanimous approval from the planning and zoning commission, and later from City Council, after some concerns were addressed regarding noise and the residential neighborhood located just north of the property.

In addition to the fencing and buffer area at the back of property, Anz agreed to remove three proposed outdoor speakers in the back patio area of the Rock & Brews. Some signage concerns were also addressed during the discussions.

According to city documents, TradeCor operates five Rock & Brews restaurants in Texas and Florida, which Anz said includes a location in The Colony. Anz said the family-friendly restaurant features a menu with 60 items, all made from scratch. Velvet Taco features unique craft tacos and has locations in Texas, Georgia and Illinois.

An existing structure at the property will be demolished.

“You do have a very nice project,” Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate said. “We’re glad that you’re getting it kicked off—it’s going to be a substantial improvement to what’s there.”

City Council also approved a conditional use permit for Crave Delivery, described as a chef-driven, multiple-concept food and beverage delivery and takeout service, according to city documents. The planned facility will be located at 2850 SH 121 North, in the city’s northeast corner. It will only offer delivery and takeout services and will use delivery drivers who are employees, as opposed to independent contractors, according to a representative from Kimley-Horn—the applicant.

Buzzed Bell Creamery, which offers made-to-order alcoholic and non-alcoholic frozen desserts, was approved for a conditional use permit, also. The franchise, which includes a recently-opened location in McKinney, is hoping to open sometime in 2022 and will be located at 419 S. Main Street, which currently houses Hole in the Wall, a gift shop.

Finally, Landon Winery, located at 415 S. Main Street, was given a conditional use permit for an outdoor patio and the property at 2627 Briarwood Drive has been rezoned to allow for the decommissioned fire station there to be renovated as a single-family residence.