The Spread.

Ice Cream Sundaes, Fat Sandwiches and Free Booze, Oh My.

Welcome to The Spread, our weekly feature that aims to share all the area restaurant, food and beverage industry news that’s fit to print. Except, this is the Internet, so space isn’t a concern. Also: Good thing, because this is Dallas and this town always has breaking restaurant news going down like whoa.

As ice cream trends look to break away from the mundane, Kate Weiser Chocolates is entering the fold with designer ice cream sundaes. The Trinity Groves chocolatier serves three decadent flavors: Carrot cake made with carrot-ginger sorbet and honey-poached carrots; lemon poppy with green apple mascarpone ice cream and lemon poppy seed cake; and, finally, bing cherry sorbet, salted caramel ice cream and peanut butter combination known at the Kate-y Trail Mix. Each of the sundaes is priced at $8.

Moving forward, a new cocktail app called Hooch can get you complimentary drinks at some of the city’s top bars. Per CultureMap, a $9.99 per month (or $99 yearly) subscription to the service allows you to order rounds of drinks at select restaurants and bars, such as Rapscallion, Proof + Pantry and more. The app is available for download via the Apple Store and Google Play.

Meanwhile, aspiring home cooks and chefs have another chance at TV stardom via MasterChef this weekend. On Saturday, April 16, an open casting call will take place for season eight of the semi-reality cooking contest. Those interested in audition must fill out the pre-registration forms, in addition to showcasing their culinary skills and media personalities. The casting call takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In opening news, Deep Ellum can now add another phở spot to its list of noodle options, courtesy of Pho Bowl. The menu of the fast-casual concept focuses on Vietnamese fusion, alongside Thai, Chinese-American and Korean inspired dishes, all at an affordable price point.

Up in Denton, a gut-busting new concept called Fat Shack is set to hit the Little D. According to GuideLive, the New Jersey import caters to the late night college crowd with items like Philly cheesesteaks, buffalo wings and their signature fat sandwiches — devilish concoctions made with a variety of fried and meaty ingredients. An opening is slated for April 26. Hours will run Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

In craft beer news: Armadillo Ale Works continues to experience setbacks on the opening of its Denton facility. As GuideLive reports, the summer opening of the 18,000 square-foot brewery has been delayed due to a construction permit, pushing the launch back until fall. In the meantime, the brewers have partnered with North Texas Brewing Co. to restart production of Armadillo beers.

GuideLive also gave us more insight into North Texas Brewing Co., a new subsidiary company of Grapevine Craft Brewery’s Gary Humble. The business provides contract brewing partnerships where brewers and beer enthusiasts can hire Humble to produce their wares. So far, North Texas Brewing Co. has partnerships with the likes of Austin’s Infamous Brewing Co. and Buffalo Bayou Brewing Co. out of Houston, among others.

And finally, Texas Ale Project is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Saturday, April 30. The brewery will feature 10 beers on T.A.P., including limited releases of the peanut butter-flavored porter, Nuttin Shady, and the Warning Label triple IPA. Early admission attendees will receive a commemorative T-shirt and three beers, as well as first access to the beers. The event takes place from 2 to 9 p.m.

Cover photo via Fat Shack’s Facebook page. Got a tip for The Spread? Email us!