This is a chronological list of restaurants permanently closed in Fort Worth, Texas—a nostalgic look back and a helpful resource for those seeking available restaurant spaces. These are the places that we miss. This is our restaurant history. A forgotten piece of our heritage. No matter how long each of these eateries was open, they consistently paid someone’s rent, provided sustenance for a hungry traveler, or were simply part of the community. So please join us and do not forget this part of our town.

Fort Worth, Texas, with a population of around 935,000, is a vibrant city steeped in cowboy culture and renowned for its diverse food scene, a reflection of its rich history as a cattle trading hub. Nestled in the North Central region of the state, Fort Worth boasts hearty local specialties like brisket and chili, alongside innovative Tex-Mex dishes that delight food enthusiasts. The city’s famous restaurant, Joe T. Garcia’s, has been a beloved institution since 1935, celebrated for its sprawling outdoor patio and traditional family recipes. The area’s geography, with its rolling hills and proximity to the cattle-rich plains, has profoundly influenced its culinary traditions, making Fort Worth a standout destination for food lovers.

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Disclaimer: The information on this website is provided as a resource, but it may not always be 100% accurate. While we strive to research and verify details, errors can occur, and businesses frequently change names, locations, or reopen after closing. Addresses, operating status, and other details may be outdated or incorrect. Use this information at your own risk. If you spot an error, please contact us here, and we will do our best to update it promptly.

1950’s

In the 1950s, Fort Worth, Texas, saw the emergence of several notable dining establishments that left a lasting impact on the city’s culinary scene. One such establishment was the Zuider Zee Restaurant, which opened in the mid-1950s on Lancaster Avenue. Renowned for its seafood offerings, the restaurant became particularly famous for serving “all the hush puppies you could eat,” a detail fondly remembered by patrons.

Another significant venue from this era was The Oui, located on Blue Bonnet Circle. Established in the 1950s, The Oui became a cherished spot for multiple generations, with families frequenting it over the decades. Its enduring presence made it a sentimental favorite among locals, as reflected in community discussions.

Additionally, the Skyliner Ballroom, though primarily known as a nightclub, played a role in Fort Worth’s dining and entertainment landscape. Opened in the late 1930s and operating until 1966, the Skyliner hosted a variety of performances and social gatherings, contributing to the city’s vibrant social scene during the 1950s.

1970’s

The 1970s were a time of significant transformation in Fort Worth’s dining scene. As the city expanded and modern shopping centers emerged, new eateries popped up to serve changing tastes—while some beloved, older establishments closed their doors for good. Here’s a look back at some of the most notable Fort Worth restaurants that opened or closed during this memorable decade.

🍽️ Restaurants That Opened in the 1970s

Hulen Mall Food Court (1977)

When Hulen Mall opened on August 4, 1977, it introduced an early version of the modern food court called “The Park.” Shoppers were treated to a wide variety of dining options under one roof, including:

Chelsea Street Pub
Chick-Fil-A
Claim Jumper Hamburgers
Cookie Cupboard
Heidi’s Bavarian Deli
Love That Yogurt
Ol’ Dan Tucker’s Smokehouse
Pietro’s Pizza
Swensen’s Ice Cream Parlor

This setup marked a shift in how Fort Worth residents dined while shopping, with fast casual convenience becoming part of the mall experience.

Crystal’s Pizza and Spaghetti (Late 1970s)

A Fort Worth favorite, Crystal’s wasn’t just a restaurant—it was an experience. Complete with themed decorations, arcade games, and even a cartoon theater, it became a go-to for family dining and birthday parties in the late ’70s and beyond.

Bonanza Sirloin Pit

Bonanza brought affordable steakhouse fare to Fort Worth during the mid-1970s:

4433 E Lancaster Ave – Opened in 1974
South Freeway Mall Location – Opened around 1976, following the closure of Wyatt’s Cafeteria

Bonanza was part of a national chain known for offering quality steaks, salad bars, and baked potatoes at budget-friendly prices—perfect for the era’s family dinners and after-church outings.

🕯️ Restaurants That Closed in the 1970s

Wyatt’s Cafeteria

📍 4200 South Fwy Mall, Fort Worth, TX 76115
Opened in 1953, this location of Wyatt’s Cafeteria was a fixture in the mall before closing in the mid-1970s. It was later replaced by Bonanza Sirloin Pit. Wyatt’s was known for its traditional Southern cafeteria fare and desserts like pie and banana pudding.

Southern Kitchen

Famous for its generous all-you-could-eat seafood and comforting Southern-style cooking, Southern Kitchen was a staple for many locals. Its closure during the 1970s left a culinary gap for lovers of fried catfish and hush puppies.

Youngblood’s Fried Chicken

Youngblood’s was once a go-to for golden-fried chicken served in a casual setting. The Fort Worth location, like many others in the chain, closed during the 1970s.

Shakey’s Pizza Parlor

Known for its live ragtime music, long wooden tables, and family-style pizza service, Shakey’s had a strong local following before shuttering during the decade. It was an early favorite for group outings and team celebrations.

Kip’s Big Boy

A beloved national chain, Kip’s in Fort Worth served classic Big Boy burgers, hand-dipped milkshakes, and breakfast all day. The location closed in the 1970s, a loss for fans of retro diner charm.

🕯️ Restaurants That Closed in the 1980s

Mama’s Pizza (Multiple Locations)

Originally launched near Texas Wesleyan University, Mama’s Pizza began closing several of its locations during the 1980s. Fortunately, the Berry Street location survived and is still in operation today thanks to longtime employee Jordan Scott, who took over in 2003.

Smoky’s Ribs

A favorite for barbecue on Lancaster Avenue, Smoky’s served Fort Worth for over two decades before closing in the 1980s. The restaurant’s smoky, tender ribs are still fondly remembered.

Salerno’s

Located along Highway 80 West, this beloved Italian restaurant was known for its old-school charm and hearty pasta dishes. It closed during the 1980s, much to the disappointment of regulars.

Casa Bonita (4786 Hulen Park Dr.)

Fort Worth’s Casa Bonita offered a full-on entertainment experience with themed rooms, arcade games, and cliff divers. The location closed in 1984. It’s now home to Texas Appliance.

Campo Verde (7108 Weatherford Hwy)

Closed in 1983. While the current status of this location is uncertain, Campo Verde was known for its Tex-Mex food and festive decor.

Peoples Restaurant and Lounge (6471 Camp Bowie Blvd)

Closed in 1983. It has since been replaced by a self-storage facility.

Western Sizzlin (8200 Hwy 80 West)

Closed in 1983. Once part of a popular nationwide chain offering steaks and a salad bar.

The Country Cafe (601 N. Cherry Lane)

Closed in 1983. The building now houses Aviano’s Pizza Pasta Subs.

Peony Chinese Food (3500 Alta Mere)

Closed in 1983. The location has hosted several new concepts since, including Halos Bar & Grill and Rainbow 2.0.

The Golden Wheel (3003 Lackland Rd)

Closed in 1983. The building now sits empty as the former China Pagoda Restaurant.

The PandaLoop (820 South at Crowley Rd)

Closed in 1983. The location is now a shuttered mariscos playa miramar.

Rusty’s (3008 Alta Mere)

Closed in 1983. Now occupied by Hirfa HTV T-Shirts & Supplies.

Cafe 2000 (Montgomery St.)

Closed in 1983. Now known as Montgomery Street Cafe.

PeppersWest (7th & University)

Closed in 1983. This was a well-loved watering hole and burger joint during its time.

Hamp’s Hoffbrau (215 University Dr.)

Closed in 1983. A favorite steakhouse known for its casual vibe.

Swensen’s Ice Cream Parlors

Three locations closed in 1983:

5300 Beltline Road
1112 N. Fielder Rd
6033 Camp Bowie

Swensen’s was known for its classic soda fountain-style desserts.

People’s Restaurant (1401 Brown Trail, Bedford)

Closed in 1984. The building is now used by Kedplasma, a plasma donation center.

Cactus Restaurant (6717 Camp Bowie)

Closed in 1984. A favorite among locals for its relaxed atmosphere.

Closed Down Restaurants in Fort Worth, Texas – 2000s

The 2000s were a time of rapid growth and transition for Fort Worth’s dining scene. Chain restaurants flourished alongside mom-and-pop eateries, and the decade saw a surge in locally owned cafés and specialty spots. Yet, despite the innovation and expansion, many restaurants closed their doors—some quietly, others with a legacy that lives on in memory.

🕯️ Notable Closures in the 2000s

Scampi’s Mediterranean Café (Closed 2010)

Located on Magnolia Avenue for 14 years, Scampi’s was a go-to for Mediterranean cuisine. It closed in 2010 and was replaced by Jack Tanner’s Patio Grill, which offered American fare with a family vibe.

Billy Miner’s Saloon (Closed 2010)

A true downtown landmark for nearly 30 years, Billy Miner’s Saloon was known for its laid-back charm and burgers. It closed in 2010, leaving a nostalgic void in Sundance Square.

Buttons Restaurant (Closed 2015)

Celebrated for its Southern comfort food and live jazz and soul music, the Fort Worth-area Buttons closed in 2015 due to lease and rent issues.

Don Pablo’s (Closed 2018)

Once a prominent Tex-Mex chain, Don Pablo’s saw the Fort Worth location shuttered in 2018 during a broader corporate decline. The brand ceased operations altogether in 2019.

🍽️ Restaurants That Closed (or Transitioned) During the 2000s

Chain & Franchise Locations

Steak and Ale (4475 Camp Bowie Blvd) – Opened in 1968, closed with corporate bankruptcy in 2008.
Bennigan’s – Locations at Bridge St., Hulen St., Camp Bowie Blvd., and elsewhere closed throughout the decade.
Chelsea Street Pub – Green Oaks and Hulen Mall locations, originally opened in the ’70s, closed by the 2000s.
Old Country Buffet – Once offering scratch-made comfort food, eventually closed (date unlisted).
Casa Bonita (4786 Hulen Park Dr.) – Closed in 1984, but remembered fondly during this decade.

Independent Restaurants & Cafés

Jewel Bakery & Deli (Granbury Rd) – Closed; now a pharmacy.
The Kolache Shoppe (Brentwood Stair Rd) – Now a game room.
Sundance Market & Deli (Throckmorton St) – Replaced by apartments.
The Coffee Haus (Houston St) – Now an art gallery.
Java Creations (W 5th St) – Status unknown.
The Noble Bean (Bryant Irvin Rd) – Replaced by various businesses.
Ambrosia Restaurant (Lancaster Ave) – Closed; known for home-style comfort food and fried potato cakes.
Buffy’s (Blue Mound Rd) – Closed; now another restaurant.
Burdav’s Café (Vickery Blvd) – Became Vickery Café, which moved locations.
Edelweiss (Southwest Blvd) – German favorite; closed in 2023, after a long run since 1999.
Jubilee Café (W 7th St) – Known for its breakfast and famous tall pies.
John Carter’s Place (E Lancaster Ave) – Known for sweet potato pie, closed sometime during or after the 2000s.

🍳 Restaurants That Opened in 1999 and Transitioned in the 2000s

Many businesses that debuted in 1999 saw their fortunes rise or fall in the early 2000s:

Firehall Marketplace & Deli (Commerce St) – Opened in 1999, status uncertain.
Bavarian Bakery & Café – Opened in 1999, closed around 2010.
Greenery Café (Commerce St) – Transitioned into a different business.
Randall’s Gourmet Cheesecake Co. (Houston St) – Closed; now a gate repair company.
Four Star Coffee Bar (W 7th St) – Became a French restaurant.
Oak Leaves (West Fwy) – Converted into a hotel.
Colonial House Restaurant (N Main St) – Closed; replaced by a new American diner with lunch specials.

🍽️ Longstanding Restaurants That Carried Over from the 2000s

These Fort Worth staples either opened around the 2000s or remained strong through the decade:

Scotty’s Diner (Beach St, Haltom City) – Known for blue plate specials and burgers.
Terry’s Café (Houston St) – The oldest downtown café.
Texas Grill (Camp Bowie Blvd) – Chili burgers and chicken-fried steak.
Summerhill House (W Magnolia Ave) – Tiny diner with legendary rolls.
Celebration (Dexter Ave) – Family-style meals, trout almondine, and all-you-can-eat seconds.
Julie’s Fresh Kitchen (McCart Ave) – Chicken-fried steak and biscuits.
Hobert’s Bar-B-Que (Berry St) – Soul food and Southern classics.

Closed Down Restaurants in Fort Worth, Texas – Late 2010s to Mid-2020s

The years spanning from 2019 through 2025 brought significant change to Fort Worth’s dining scene. Between shifting consumer habits, pandemic-era pressures, rising rents, and broader corporate closures, many beloved restaurants and national chains in the area shut their doors. Here’s a closer look at some notable closures from the late 2010s through the mid-2020s.

🕯️ Local Favorites That Closed

Bird Café (2020)

Located in Sundance Square, Bird Café was celebrated for its Southern-inspired menu, patio seating, and upscale yet inviting ambiance. After seven years in business, the restaurant permanently closed in 2020 due to pandemic-related challenges.

Fred’s Cafe – Currie Street (Closed ~2021)

📍 915 Currie St, Fort Worth, TX 76107
A local favorite since 1999, Fred’s was known for burgers, cold beer, and live music. After briefly hosting Wild Acre Brewing in 2021, the building was placed up for sale and remains closed.

Pearl Snap Kolaches (2024)

Opened in 2014, Pearl Snap Kolaches was beloved for its unique blend of traditional Czech pastries with Texas flair. After 11 years of business, it announced its closure in January 2024, marking the end of a breakfast favorite in the community.

Byblos Mediterranean Restaurant (2025)

Known for its authentic Lebanese cuisine and festive belly dancing shows, Byblos was a staple for decades. It closed in 2025, leaving behind rich cultural memories for Fort Worth diners.

Qdoba Mexican Eats – Bailey Boswell Rd (2025)

📍 4540 W Bailey Boswell Road
This Qdoba location shut down in 2025 due to unresolved water pressure and temperature issues—a reminder of the operational hurdles many businesses face.

🔒 Chain Restaurants That Closed in Fort Worth

Don Pablo’s (Closed 2019)

📍 7050 Ridgmar Meadow Rd – Vacant as of 2024
📍 5121 Rufe Snow Dr – Replaced by a strip mall featuring Mod Pizza, Black Rifle Coffee, and AT&T

Once a dominant name in casual Tex-Mex dining, Don Pablo’s fell into nationwide decline and closed its Fort Worth-area locations in 2019.

Hooters (Closed by Early 2020s)

📍 150 Throckmorton St Suite 132, Fort Worth, TX 76102
This downtown location is now permanently closed.

Grandy’s (2020)

Grandy’s was once a comfort food mainstay, famous for chicken-fried steak and cinnamon rolls. Its last original location in the area closed in 2020, part of a broader collapse of the chain.

Logan’s Roadhouse (2020)

Logan’s temporarily closed all locations in March 2020 due to the pandemic and filed for bankruptcy in April. Many locations, including those in Fort Worth, never reopened.

TGI Fridays (2024)

In November 2024, TGI Fridays filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leading to the closure of multiple corporate-owned locations across the country—including several in DFW.

📝 Final Thoughts

The late 2010s through the mid-2020s proved turbulent for restaurants nationwide, and Fort Worth was no exception. From family-run spots like Fred’s and Pearl Snap Kolaches to high-traffic chains like Don Pablo’s and Logan’s Roadhouse, closures reflected both global challenges and evolving local tastes.

While some locations await revival, others have already transformed into new eateries, strip malls, or creative reuse spaces. Fort Worth’s restaurant history is rich—and always in motion.