The Spread.

Mark Cuban Hits Up IHOP, And Pecan Lodge Catches Fire. Again.

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.

The block is hot in Deep Ellum after Pecan Lodge caught fire earlier this morning.

Firefighters were called to the popular barbecue haunt at 6 a.m. this morning, with no injuries and minimal damage reported, according to Eater Dallas. The incident marks the second time the restaurant has gone up in flames, after Dead Flowers member Corey Howe came to the rescue back in 2014. The restaurant is currently still running under normal hours.

The heat is also on out in DeSoto, where a Waffle House patron stopped a robber armed with an AK-47. The customer shot the robbery suspect with a concealed carry weapon, following the aggravated robbery of multiple patrons and the business itself. The robbery suspect is currently being hospitalized and on life support, while the Dallas Police Department looks for leads on his identity.

In lighter news: Mark Cuban wined and dined the newest Dallas Maverick at IHOP, of all places. As Eater laments, the Mavs owner took small forward Harrison Barnes to the ubiquitous chain, in lieu of a more local breakfast option. Perhaps Cubes was looking to save a little money after dropping $94 million on Barnes’ four-year contract?

Speaking of North Texas celebrities, Richard Rawlings has plans to open another new concept next month. The Fast N’ Loud host’s latest venture, Richard Rawlings’ Garage, will be a bar and restaurant located in Central Texas between Ft. Hood and Killeen. The restaurant will feature American comfort classics, in a former Twin Peaks space. An opening is slated for August 10.

Meanwhile, back in Deep Ellum, the folks behind Uptown’s Citizen are opening a more casual venture called Stirr. The concept will be located in the former Art Bar space, where it will focus on small bites, unique entrees, coffee and cocktails. The restaurant will be open for lunch, brunch and dinner, with no word yet on an opening date.

Also in opening news, Fort Worth is adding to its ramen collection with a concept called Oni Ramen. The restaurant is the brainchild of Jesus Garcia (Little Lily Sushi, Shinjuku Station), who aims to model the restaurant after Austin’s Ramen Tatsu-Ya. Oni will feature popular ramen favorites like tonkotsu and tsukemen, in addition to other varieties like Japanese and Thai style curry ramens. A soft opening takes place the week of July 25.

Finally, in craft beer news: Several Metroplex breweries took home medals at the recent U.S. Open Beer Competition. Rahr & Sons was recognized as one of the top breweries in the country, taking home three awards, including golds for its Summertime Wheat and Regulator. Other gold medal winners are Rabbit Hole Brewing and Grapevine Craft Brewery.

Also, Fort Worth’s latest brewery, Hopfusion Ale Works, is gearing up for an opening next month. Construction is currently underway on the taproom, but the owners hope to schedule a brewing session where curious beer lovers can try out the brews prior to opening. Look out for a debut next month.

Cover photo of Pecan Lodge by Scott Mitchell. Got a tip for The Spread? Email us!