Enchiladas or BBQ for dinner? More Fort Worth restaurants opening for to-go orders
More Texas restaurants reopened last week, thanks to a combination of loyal customer support and federal relief money.
The contest-winning Enchiladas Olé restaurant in Fort Worth reopened, selling only take-out family dinner packs for $40.
Shep’s Place, a busy burger grill in Weatherford, also reopened for take-out, along with highly rated BBQ on the Brazos in west Fort Worth.
The Lunch Box sandwich cafe and Black Rooster Bakery in west Fort Worth reopened Monday with contactless take-out, and Goldee’s Barbecue south of Kennedale will reopen Saturday.
All were among restaurants that went dark for days while others coped with the change to take-out and delivery under local health orders by mayors, county judges and eventually, Gov. Greg Abbott.
“If it’s safe to open again, we’re willing ... we’ve reached that point,” said Derrek Drury, an Enchiladas Olé partner and also executive of an oilfield services company, as founder Mary Perez made the lunch enchiladas.
Enchiladas Olé’s staff wore protective gear and delivered dinner packs outside the door at 2418 Forest Park Blvd.
“We feel like we can operate in a safe environment,” Drury said.
Restaurants are reopening in part because new federal Small Business Administration relief loans help cover the rent, payroll and utilities, said Fort Worth restaurateur Jon Bonnell.
He reopened his Bonnell’s and Waters restaurants selling family or dinner-for-two packs while helping restaurateurs access loans and disaster relief.
“The government extended a lifeline,” Bonnell said.
“Knowing we can cover payroll, rent and utilities is a game-changer.”
▪ BBQ on the Brazos co-owner Kathryn Warren said the Texas Monthly top-50 restaurant reopened after cleaning and taking a needed break. Co-owner John Sanford has been recovering from a surgery.
BBQ on the Brazos, 3803 Southwest Blvd., reopened with a limited menu of $40 family-pack dinners or brisket, sausage, or turkey sandwiches. The family packs have a set menu featuring smoked chicken Friday, smoked-brisket meatloaf Saturday or brisket and pork Sunday.
▪ Rufus Bar & Grill, a new restaurant by pitmaster Billy Woodrich of Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ, is expected to open this week at 4608 Bryant Irvin Road selling take-out barbecue, chicken-fried steak and family packs.
This story was originally published April 2, 2020 at 3:17 PM.