2015 Could Be The Year Of The Grilled Cheese In Dallas

Take a look at what we know already about these two establishments, and be sure to get out and try them both after the new year rings in. After all, who doesn't love a great sandwich? 

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January 8, 2015 3 min read
Toasts

The Texas culinary arts scene, much like the new restaurant dynamic in many major cities across the U.S., is all about innovation. Obviously, this is a wonderful thing, as open market competition and new ideas are what keep us as food enthusiasts so interested in the industry. Nonetheless, there’s something to be said for simply sticking to a classic option and refining it to the best of your ability. That seems to be a favorable option in Dallas right now, as two new restaurants slated to open in 2015 will be focusing on an incredibly simplistic yet entirely delicious dish: the grilled cheese. Take a look at what we know already about these  establishments, and be sure to get out and try them both after the new year rings in. After all, who doesn’t love a great sandwich?

Tom Chee
According to CultureMap Dallas, Tom Chee first became famous after appearing on the popular show Shark Tank, in which individuals with startup business ventures pitch their ideas to a team of entrepreneurs in hopes of receiving funding. The restaurant was founded by Trew Quackenbush, a San Diego native with a passion for all things food. After working his way up the kitchen ladder in a number of restaurants across the country, he came to realize that he could be putting his talents to work recreating one of his favorite dishes for the general public. Along with co-founder Corey Ward, who handles branding and marketing of the restaurant chain, Quackenbush has turned what was once a dream into a franchise-driven establishment that already has an impressive record of success. The restaurant has become known for its impressively done but  simple comfort foods, such as a grilled cheese doughnut. It also has delighted patrons with a wide selection of craft bacon put onto its sandwiches. After the business appeared on Shark Tank, Greg Sippel decided to become the first franchisee of the restaurant in Texas. Slated to open in May 2015, the restaurant will be located in the CityLine development project in the nearby suburb of Richardson.

Dallas Grilled Cheese Co.
For those who don’t feel like making the brief trek out to Richardson, the Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. will provide an equally delicious option locally. The restaurant will be located within the colorful Bishop Arts District of the city and will feature slightly more artisanal takes on the classic sandwich than you’ll find at Tom Chee. D Magazine has reported that the menu will feature such interesting items as grilled cheese sandwiches containing brie, walnuts and pears served on thick, delicious Texas toast. The restaurant will also have a domestic beer list, according to multiple sources.

Competition
While we certainly wish the absolute best to both of these new ventures, it should be interesting to see how they fare in the competitive Dallas culinary scene. As CultureMap has pointed out, one restaurant, Jasper’s, has already come and gone from the new CityLine development project in Richardson. While the Dallas Grilled Cheese Co. may benefit from heightened foot traffic in the Bishop Arts District, it will also stand to face stark competition for customers in the happening area, which already contains a number of high profile and trendy eateries. One thing’s for sure: 2015 could very certainly be a redefining year for the grilled cheese sandwich in Texas, so get excited.

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