Here’s how to feed your family for $48. Still a great deal from chef Jon Bonnell
One of Fort Worth’s best chefs is selling $48 takeout family dinners, because Jon Bonnell knows we still need help.
Two years after he started selling curbside dinners-in-a-sack during COVID, Bonnell still has a long line for dinners at 3:30 p.m. five days a week — now because of the skyrocketing prices of food and gas.
“People need to feed the most people for the least possible price,” said Bonnell, chef and owner at Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, 4259 Bryant Irvin Road.
As of next week, that price goes to $48 instead of $40 for a simple, heat-at-home dinner for four, something like chicken or shrimp with salads and desserts.
“We’re still doing it because some people like eating at home and just want a quick and easy dinner, or they want to pick up a dinner for family members or neighbors,” he said.
The price increase reflects not only food costs but also increased charges for takeout packaging, he said.
There’s a different offer each day. For example, the various dinners this week included family-size helpings of chicken piccata, smoked chicken, shrimp or chicken-fried steaks, with heating instructions.
The specials are listed each Tuesday morning on his Facebook page at facebook.com/ChefJonBonnell.
To get in on the deal, just get in line by 3:30 p.m.
The line forms about 3 p.m. along the Texas 183 westbound service road to Bonnell’s east door.
Sales include optional mixed drinks and Melt Ice Cream available. They’re usually sold out by 4 p.m., but occasionally a few are left, particularly on busy Saturdays.
Bonnell’s sells from 50 to 70 family dinners daily depending on expected demand. At the height of COVID shutdowns, cars lined up for 150 dinners per day.
I’ve bought them for quick midweek dinners, to take to sick or grieving friends or simply because the chicken Marsala or pastas are pretty darn good.
Some other restaurants launched bargain curbside takeout family meals during the pandemic, most notably Local Foods Kitchen in Tanglewood Village. But Local Foods and most restaurants have been too short-staffed to continue the offer.
Bonnell said his staffers rotate working the drive-up door.
“There’s always somebody’s parent who’s in the hospital, or somebody who’s in need, or somebody who just wants to have a family dinner together and feel normal,” he said.
“I don’t see any reason to turn it off as long as it’s still working.”
The regular Bonnell’s restaurant opens at 5 p.m. and serves a Southwestern menu including a pepper-crusted bison tenderloin ($56) that might be the most popular steak in Fort Worth.
It’s open for dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays; 817-738-5489, bonnellstexas.com.
Waters in Fort Worth had its best weekend
Bonnell is also the owner at Waters Restaurant, 301 Main St., which just had its two busiest nights ever last weekend serving crowds from the Main St. Fort Worth Arts Festival and Fort Worth Art Fair.
Waters’ bar opens at 4 p.m. and dinner starts at 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays; 817-984-1110, waterstexas.com.
He also owns the Buffalo Bros wings-pizza-and-sports bars. 415 Throckmorton St. and 3015 S. University Drive, and the forthcoming Jon’s Grille burger cafe, under construction at 2905 W. Berry St.
This story was originally published April 13, 2022 at 5:45 AM.
