Survey respondents expect Lakeside DFW dining to be out of the ordinary

Comments on Lakeside DFW’s on-line dining survey continue to illustrate the interest, passion, and expectations area residents have for the dining experience coming to The Shops at Lakeside in Phase I. (The first four buildings are expected to open in early 2015.)

“Community input has guided many aspects of planning Lakeside DFW,” said Jimmy Archie, managing partner of Realty Capital, master developer of Lakeside DFW. “And the opinions expressed in the dining surveys have been a gold mine.”

Since the survey was opened in November 2013, 695 respondents have taken to the survey and, of those, approximately 450 have taken the time to add comments.

The 150+ comments left between February and August fall broadly into four categories:

Favorite restaurants

A large group of respondents simply listed the restaurants they love.

“Gloria’s, Maggianos, Jasper’s, BJ’s, Angry Dog, 8.0’s, Flying Saucer, Breadwinners, Fadi’s Mediterranean Grill, Cantina Laredo, Bronson Rock, The Grape, The Londoner, Stan’s Blue Note, Stampede 66, Campisi’s, and Capital Grille,” one wrote.

“These comments leave little doubt about the sophistication of Flower Mound diners,” suggested Archie.

“And the location of many of these establishments far from Flower Mound (e.g., Uptown, Legacy, Bishop Arts), demonstrates that they are very serious about their restaurant experiences.”

A few of the respondents submitted as many as 20 restaurants for consideration. Click to see all the comments.

Outdoor dining

Dining al fresco found its way into over 30 comments (out of 150+) between February and August.

“We need places with outdoor patios!” wrote one of many.

Since this sentiment was expressed in community surveys of desired amenities for Lakeside back in 2011 and 2012, three of the restaurant locations at The Shops at Lakeside feature integrated outdoor seating (click here for more information). Two of the three face small parks and the third features a generous amount of sidewalk dining.

“These signature restaurant locations will serve as the heartbeat of The Shops at Lakeside,” Archie emphasized, “and the set the table for Lakeside DFW to become a dining destination as well as a great place to live.”

Unique concepts/personal experiences

“I prefer one-off restaurants,” suggested a respondent, “like Meddlesome Moth, Bolsa, Neighborhood Services. I think of the Bishop Arts District when I imagine what I’d like to see in ‘my neck of the woods.’”

“The new restaurants need to have a chef-owned, private experience,” added another. “With great atmosphere, wine properly stored, music on weekends, exciting porches, etc.”

“We are focused on fine dining experiences that serve the tastes of the community,” Archie said. “and the entrepreneurs and operators who are committed to creating relationships with their patrons.”

Craft beers

“A great pub/craft beer/brewery would be fantastica!” said one.

“Brew pub similar to San Tan Brewery (Chandler AZ) or Peter B’s Brewpub (Monterey CA),” added another respondent. “Outdoor seating options that are kid friendly during the early evening but options good for adults/couples at night.”

“Include a Pub or a brewery with a great patio!” came another voice. “A nice pizza or hamburger place would do great too. And definitely an ice cream shop.”

“We understand the importance of offering a place to grab a beer,” insisted Archie. “And we are committed to generating some night life for Flower Mound.”

Gathering places

“Please do not bring in the big box restaurant chains. Grapevine has the cowboy / Texas theme covered. The dining scene should focus on local Chef’s with a national reputation for quality and innovation,” wrote one respondent.

“A large bar area allows for people to gather. Suggested restaurants to emulate: fast casual – Zoe’s, casual – Hillstone, Kenney’s Wood Fired Grill and fine dining – The Mercury, Bar – Cru, micro brewery, or [something] similar to Hillstone.

“I am excited for the grand openings!!!”

“Creating places for area residents to gather has been a theme since we began seeking community input back in 2011,” said Archie. “We understand that whether it’s over a coffee, a hamburger, or a beer, bringing people together is essential.”

An integrated strategy

“Responses to our original amenity survey several years ago helped shape the plan Lakeside DFW that features our three signature restaurant locations.

“Now, responses to the dining survey have fine-tuned our search for the right establishments to occupy those three key spots (and other important spaces),” Archie said.

“We are working hard to live up to the expectations of the community,” he emphasized. “When necessary, we will be patient to ensure that we have the right restaurant for each space.

“People expect a selection of special dining experiences that create a place they can count on for good food and good times, week in and week out.

“We have to be selective.”

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You also might be interested in:

The Lakeside dining survey (this link is no longer active). It takes less than 1 minute.

Dining comments 1 (through early Dec. 2013)

Dining comments 2 (Dec. 2013 – Feb.)

Dining comments 3 (Feb.- Aug.)