CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market, a premium casual restaurant with a passion for fresh, local food, amazing craft beer and cocktails, will open its first U.S. location in early 2026 in Preston Center, Dallas, Texas.
The brand launched in a historic block in downtown Calgary in 2011 and today has two locations in Calgary, one in Edmonton, two in Vancouver, one in Victoria, one in Kelowna, one in Ottawa and one in Toronto.
In 2019, CRAFT partnered with Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars, and the iconic Moxies and Chop Steakhouse brands, as well as some of the top restaurants and ski resorts in Canada. This collaboration set the stage for CRAFT’s expansion into the U.S. market. With Gaglardi’s extensive business experience, deep understanding of the market, and strong community ties, Dallas emerged as the ideal choice for CRAFT’s first U.S. location.
“We’ve always believed that the road to our success is through the connections we build with the communities we are part of. Dallas is a natural fit for CRAFT. Our large restaurant footprint, commitment to local products, and dedication to community are what Texas is all about,” said PJ L’Heureux, founder of CRAFT.
“Texas and specifically the Preston area of Dallas, with its booming economy, diverse culture, and love for craft cocktails and beer, is the perfect place for us to begin this exciting new chapter.
“CRAFT has always been about bringing people together, and we’re thrilled to share our passion for craft beer, exceptional dining, and community building with our friends in the Texas market.”
This marks the company’s highly anticipated entry into the American market, building on its strong presence and success across Canada. The Dallas opening is the first step in the company’s broader plans to establish a strong presence in key American cities over the next decade.
The company said the Dallas location will be a state-of-the-art, 10,500-square-foot space designed in partnership with Canadian boutique interior design firm Way of Normal and local Texas firm ID Studio 4. Guests can anticipate a modern yet welcoming interior, featuring warm woods, industrial accents, and a massive 360-degree bar as its centre. The space will also include a 5,250-square-foot rooftop patio, complete with a full bar, cozy booth seating, lush greenery, and a games area, offering the perfect atmosphere for both casual gatherings and special celebrations.
“With its expansive design, CRAFT is built to host groups of all sizes, whether it’s a relaxed outing with friends, a team get-together, or a large corporate event. What sets CRAFT apart is its unwavering commitment to creating the perfect ambiance and ensuring every visit is a truly unforgettable experience,” it said in a news release.
“Sustainability continues to be a core value for CRAFT. The new location will incorporate energy-efficient technologies and locally sourced materials into its design. Additionally, the restaurant will support the local community by partnering with Texas-based breweries and exceptional Texas food suppliers to showcase the best of the region’s flavours.”
CRAFT said the flagship U.S. location will feature over 100 beers on tap – including local Texas brews – along with cocktails, wine, and a fresh, globally inspired menu of scratch-made dishes.
“What I love most about CRAFT is the opportunity to work with local food and beverage suppliers to create unique menus and partnerships in each of the communities we are in,” said Scott Frank, President of CRAFT.
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