January
Traditional Mexican restaurant Cruzito’s Cocina Mexicana in Plano draws on owner’s experience
After working in the restaurant industry for over 30 years, Jose Cruz Gomez made the tough decision to open his own traditional Mexican restaurant in the middle of the pandemic. Many people told him he was making a mistake, but with his team’s help he was able to launch Cruzito’s Cocina Mexicana in July 2021.
February
Plano restaurant Whistle Britches specializes in chicken, biscuits, beer
Although Omar Flores said he grew up helping at his father’s Mexican restaurant Taco Pinata, and his mother was a phenomenal cook who generously shared her skills with him, Flores felt he needed to broaden his horizons.
March
Plano restaurant Love and War in Texas provides multisensory experience
For 19 years, M.G. “Red” Byboth was a regular at Love and War in Texas. He was such a fan that he once told the former owner, Tye Phelps, that he would like to own one of the restaurants someday. Five years ago, Byboth’s dream became a reality.
April
Steve Fields Steakhouse returns to Plano with new steak and seafood eatery
After closing Steve Fields’ Steak & Lobster Lounge in 2019 after 14 years in Plano, the restaurant’s namesake said he had planned to go work at the Truluck’s restaurant in Dallas’ Uptown neighborhood. But when the pandemic shook up the restaurant industry, Fields said he decided to look into returning to his own concept in Plano.
May
Veteran-owned Plano eatery Ebb & Flow boasts cocktail lounge, something for everyone
Dallas Hale said he got his start in the restaurant industry at just 13 years old as a dishwasher and table busser. After graduating from Plano Senior High in 1988, he joined the Coast Guard. When he got out of the military in 1994, he came back to the area and got a job as a bartender in a nightclub.
June
Delucca Gaucho Pizza & Wine offers gourmet pizza flavors in Plano
Evandro Caregnato and Vanderleia “Dede” Mallman grew up in south Brazil, close to Argentina. When they started dating about 30 years ago, Mallman said they went to traditional Brazilian pizza places every Friday night.
July
Plano eatery Nest Burger offers food that surprises new customers from their first bite
Dipesh Pandey had been in the restaurant industry for more than 10 years when he purchased Nest Burger in October 2019.
August
The Gyro Shop serves New York-style sandwiches in Plano
The Gyro Shop started out as a food truck in New York in 2008 before growing to three brick-and-mortar restaurants in Texas. Victor Waqar, the original founder of the eatery, decided to move his family to Texas from New York and brought the concept with him.
September
Deluxe Restaurant and Banquet Hall in Plano serving up Armenian barbecue, Eastern European menu items
Albert Vardanian, owner of Deluxe Restaurant and Banquet Hall, said when first time customers walk through the doors of his business, they often express surprise over the elegant look of the restaurant. It is decorated with white table linens, feathery centerpieces and sparkling light fixtures.
October
Owners of Urban Seafood Company in Plano get their inspiration from East Coast
Inspired by their love of the East Coast, particularly Nantucket and Boston, Nathan and Bonnie Shea set about creating a restaurant that echoes the essence of some of their favorite harborside eateries.
November
Plano eatery Lily’s Cafe serving Guatemalan, American dishes adds dinner hours
Jorge Recinos said when he and his wife, Lily, opened Lily’s Cafe in 2014, it was a dream come true. A decade earlier, he had moved to America from Guatemala, then worked in a variety of restaurants in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.
December
Founded on decades of industry experience, CraftWay Kitchen offers elevated American cuisine in Plano
Mike Hutchinson said when he and co-owner Troy Cooper opened CraftWay Kitchen in Plano, they brought decades of industry experience to the table. They originally met years ago when they both worked for Rockfish Seafood Grill.
