BUSINESS BUZZ

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

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Craft Beer Cellar, a Massachusetts-based franchise, has already signed a lease. Expect a rotating selection of 18 craft brews on draught, an extensive bottle selection and beer education programs. Owners Stan Nauman and Jim Waskow say they hope to open early this summer, after an extensive remodle by Dallas’ planBgroup.

Costco is coming

Goodbye Dixie

Questions still remain over what will occupy the expansive Gaston Avenue location that housed Dixie House for more than 35 years in the Lakewood Shopping Center. Lincoln Property Company, which owns the space, severed the restaurant’s lease, causing them to close Jan. 29. This was perhaps due to the fact that Dixie House’s parent company, Restaurants Acquisitions I, LLC., filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in early December — no one from Lincoln returned our calls to confirm. Need a glimmer of hope? Scott Pendleton, manager of Dixie House, says the restaurant’s team is scouting other East Dallas locations, like Casa Linda Plaza.

False alarms

Two businesses on Lowest Greenville announced they were closing in January, but both wound up sticking around. Green Grocer swore it’d be gone by Jan. 18. After much neighborhood outcry, the shop decided to downsize and rebrand itself as GG Micro Market instead. Dallas Beer Kitchen actually did close on Jan. 24 — for five days. According to media reports, the owners of Nora couldn’t bear to say goodbye to their neighbor, so they rescued the eatery. Changes include a new kitchen staff and updated menu.

Pizza and beer

The Papa John’s Pizza at 6324 Gaston will relocate to Greenville and Vanderbilt. Its former location won’t be empty long.

Costco has been looking to enter the Dallas market for some time but has been holding out for the best deal. The company recently asked the City of Dallas for zoning to turn a roughly 13-acre piece of land between Coit and Central Expressway just north of Churchill Way, into a Costco Warehouse with fuel stations. The buildings on the property currently, just east of the Medical City Hospital complex, are unoccupied. The land was most recently used as a transit station park and ride, according to the zoning request. Costco’s hearing before the City Plan Commission took place recently.

Whip it good

The Whippersnapper, AKA “The Whip,” opened recently off Henderson, in Slip Inn’s former location. Owners Brandon Hays and Phil Schanbaum are also behind High Fives, Wayward Sons and So and So’s. The Whip focuses on drinks, music and dancing — there will be DJs Wednesday through Saturday — but guests can order off High Fives’ menu, since it’s right next-door.

Swimming champs

The girls swim team at Woodrow Wilson High School placed first at the recent Dallas ISD All City Meet. They competed against 17 teams and broke the All City records in the 100-, 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays.