Ellen’s at Casa Linda Plaza. Photography by Renee Umsted.
Ellen’s is getting close to opening its Casa Linda Plaza restaurant.
Co-founder Joe Groves said he’s “pretty confident” that the location will open in early June.
They are planning on inspections being completed next week, and the city has given approval for building signs, which are being made.
Now, it’s just a matter of waiting for furniture, such as seating, to be delivered; Groves said he’s expecting it in May. Then the staff will have to be trained, and then the restaurant can open.
In January, Ellen’s was waiting on a gas line and kitchen equipment, and Groves said both of those issues have been resolved.
Ellen’s, which serves Southern favorites and breakfast all day, announced plans in 2021 to take over the building originally meant to house Snooze, near the intersection of Garland Road and North Buckner Boulevard. Construction work on the structure began in 2019, and it was met with criticism from some people who said it was too close to the street and hid the surrounding architecture of the historical shopping center. Previously, the site was home to a gas station.
Since Ellen’s shared its intention to open in East Dallas, neighbors have been questioning the news. At one point in April 2022, the restaurant had to get on Facebook and make a post to reassure everyone that it was “definitely moving forward as quickly as possible.”
Based on the most recent update from Groves, it seems the wait is almost over. But in the meantime, diners can visit the Allen or Downtown Dallas locations.
