Good & Proper Wood Fired Bistro to bring rooftop dining, live-fire cooking to McKinney

A new dining destination is taking shape above McKinney, where wood-fired cooking, globally inspired flavors and rooftop views will come together at Good & Proper Wood Fired Bistro, opening in mid-November.

Located on the fifth floor of the newly built AC Hotel McKinney, the restaurant aims to welcome local residents for everything from after-work cocktails and date nights to family celebrations.

Led by Executive Chef Alphonse Ngoh and Restaurant Manager Hiram Lopez, Good & Proper combines an approachable atmosphere with an elevated dining experience centered around a custom wood-fired hearth.

What can diners expect?

At the heart of Good & Proper is a custom wood-fired hearth and open kitchen designed to bring guests closer to the cooking experience.

The restaurant's name reflects the owner's grandparents and their approach to hospitality. His grandfather represented the "good," known for helping neighbors and supporting local entrepreneurs, while his grandmother embodied the "proper," bringing an eye for design and thoughtful presentation into their home.

The central kitchen draws inspiration from the family's tradition of gathering after long workdays to share meals and stories.

"That would be the place where they would come together and share a meal, share stories," Restaurant Manager Hiram Lopez said. "We want this dining room to recreate that exact same feeling for our guests."

Good & Proper aims to recreate that sense of connection for diners, pairing a welcoming atmosphere with a menu inspired by Ngoh's culinary experiences around the world.

What's on the menu at Good & Proper?

Good & Proper centers on American wood-fired bistro fare, using a custom hearth to bring char and depth to familiar dishes. Rather than sticking to one style, Ngoh uses live-fire cooking and from-scratch techniques to elevate familiar fare.

The kitchen also draws inspiration from Ngoh's culinary experiences across Central Africa, New York, Los Angeles and Texas.

"Our menu is inspired by all the experiences I’ve had throughout my career and where I come from," Ngoh said. "Guests can look through the menu and recognize something familiar from home, but it's always served with a little twist."

Standout dishes highlighted by Ngoh include:

• Eggplant dip and wood-fired flatbread: A Mediterranean-inspired appetizer featuring eggplant, tahini, extra-virgin olive oil and freshly baked flatbread.

• Beef cheek arancini: An Italian-inspired appetizer made with risotto, beef cheeks, mozzarella and smoked tomato sauce.

• Brick chicken: A French-meets-Texas dish featuring a sauce inspired by classic French cooking techniques.

Beyond dinner service, the restaurant will also offer weekend brunch.

Guests can pair their meals with beverages including:

• Craft cocktails: Made to order with an emphasis on quality, creativity and efficient service.

• International wines: A curated selection from around the world to complement the menu.

• Texas beers: A selection highlighting breweries across the state.

What makes the atmosphere unique?

Perched five stories above McKinney, Good & Proper pairs elevated views with a welcoming atmosphere. A spacious main dining room and open-air terrace overlook the Craig Ranch central park area, with expansive glass bringing in natural light.

Inside, deep blues, burgundy accents, dark hardwood, brass finishes and a marble-topped bar create a stylish yet approachable setting. Despite its elevated location, the team hopes to keep Good & Proper accessible in both atmosphere and price, encouraging residents to return regularly rather than reserving visits for special occasions.

"We are aiming to be the spot for the locals, while also welcoming our hotel guests and travelers staying with us," Lopez said. "We’re going to be very well-rounded for any occasion—whether it’s a casual quick happy hour at 4 p.m. after work, a post-soccer dinner with the kids, or a wine-paired multi-course dinner with pre- and post-cocktails."

To make visits convenient for local diners, Good & Proper will operate as a standalone destination with a dedicated ground-floor entrance, separate lobby and elevator taking guests directly to the fifth-floor terrace. Self-parking will also be available, allowing visitors to enjoy the restaurant without navigating the hotel's main lobby.

Whether stopping by for cocktails or celebrating an anniversary, guests can expect a dining experience that balances an elevated setting with neighborhood warmth.

Ready for your next meal?

Good & Proper Wood Fired Bistro is expected to open in mid-November alongside AC Hotel McKinney.

Reservations are encouraged and are expected to be available through OpenTable via the hotel's dining website.

• Location: 7600 SH 121, fifth floor, McKinney (inside AC Hotel McKinney at Hub 121)

• Restaurant and dining information: www.goodandpropermckinney.com

• Hotel information: marriott.com/dalmn

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