Independent restaurants are locally owned businesses that typically have one or just a few locations.

Often referred to as “mom and pop” businesses, the following seven eateries all opened in 2024:

1. Bobo Bites

After launching their first location in Arlington in 2023, owners Jesse Nguyen, Michelle Ta, Jason Ta and Jen Nguyen decided Keller needed to experience their unique menu, according to a city news release.

“As we were looking to expand the business, we realized this area was really missing these Asian drinks and desserts,” Jesse Nguyen said. “We’re excited to introduce the community to a new way of enjoying coffee and tea.”2. Catch 22 Sports Grill


Catch 22 Sports Grill opened in the former Anderson Distillery location on Oak Street, adding itself to a roster of more than 60 restaurants in Roanoke, the state's official "Unique Dining Capital of Texas," according to the city's website.

The menu includes traditional sports bar fare, including:
  • Appetizers
  • Sandwiches and burgers
  • Baskets—an entree with a side
  • Desserts
The weekend brunch menu includes breakfast tacos, pancakes, cinnamon rolls and features a Bloody Mary cocktail called “The Hail Mary.”3. Frituwhaaa

Frituwhaaa co-owners James and Rosa Brunder want to give their customers a chance to sample all the flavors the Dominican Republic has to offer with their new Roanoke location.

According to the business’s website, the restaurant’s menu features Caribbean dishes such as:
  • Cuban sandwiches
  • Patacon
  • Mangu con los tres golpes
  • Chimi
During their move from Reading, Pennsylvania, to Justin in June 2023, Rosa said she and her husband got the idea to open a restaurant that expressed their Dominican culture.


“I started making and advertising in the neighborhood page, sandwiches and finger foods, such as chimis, patacon, Cuban sandwiches and pica pollo, and we were blessed with immediate success,” Rosa said.4. Kaycee’s Cafe, Grill and Bar

Owners Yasmin Tovar and her husband, Jose, opened Kaycee’s Cafe, Grill and Bar in the former Tio Carlos building in Keller.

The eclectic menu features Tex-Mex favorites such as tacos, flautas and chimichangas; American fare such as chicken fried steak and burgers; and French cuisine such as tartiflette and quiche Lorraine.5. MAD Mexican Grill

MAD Mexican Grill, a family-run restaurant that blends generations of traditional Mexican recipes with a modern flair, is now open in Keller.


According to a city news release, the menu of MAD—which stands for the initials of founders Mayra, Arianah and David Gonzalez—Mexican Grill is based upon the culinary traditions found in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon and Delicias, Mexico.6. Pattea Lou's Tea Room

Owner Patti Gibson opened the doors of Pattea Lou’s Tea Room that features three different experiences in one storefront.

According to the business’s Facebook page, customers can choose from three different venues depending upon their needs:
  • A café area with daily service from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • A formal tea room that seats up to 34 people is available by reservation Thursday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • A conference room that can be rented by the hour
“Every moment I get to spend with my guests is incredible; that’s where I am supposed to be, serving people that way,” Gibson said. “It fills my cup.”7. Philly Dave’s

Philly Dave’s staff members are now slinging Philly cheesesteaks, burgers and more in the same location where Stevie’s Diner closed after 13 years in operation.


Owner David McCurtain said that he previously owned The Burger & Philly Shack in Watauga for 13 years before selling it and settling into retirement. However, he said he missed running a restaurant and opened Philly Dave’s.

On the menu, diners will find breakfast items such as omelets, pancakes and waffles as well as lunch and dinner fare like chicken wings, sandwiches and burgers.