Neighborhood business buzz

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

Former Glen Lakes AMC will be Dave and Buster’s
The old AMC Theater at Central and Walnut Hill has been vacant since 2006 when the chain relocated to NorthPark Center. Now, the empty 35,000 square-foot space will be demolished to make way for a Dave and Buster’s flagship restaurant. Construction on the new complex is scheduled to begin within the next nine months, transforming the barren shopping center. The new restaurant will incorporate more games and an extended menu. Dave and Buster’s will close its current location on Walnut Hill near Presbyterian hospital when the new restaurant is complete.

Bowling alley rolling into Park Lane
Touted as an upscale bowling alley, Bowl & Barrel is expected to open this fall in the Shops at Park Lane. The concept, created by SMU alums Josh Sepkowitz and Kyle Noonan, is to provide the “cosmopolitan demographic” with an “upscale yet comfortable atmosphere.” The 15-lane, 3,000 square-foot bowling alley, which will open across from Bailey’s Prime Plus, will feature a full-service restaurant and bar with craft beers and handcrafted cocktails.

Wine superstore to open next to Babies R Us
Total Wine and More has announced plans to open its first Texas superstore in the Best Buy shopping center at Park and Central in early summer. This will be the first Texas location for Total Wine, a chain with 79 locations nationwide. The store carries wine, beer and spirits and features a walk-in cigar humidor.

Olivella’s pizzeria opens in Hillside Village
Charlie Green, who owns Neo’s pizza in Victory Park and another Olivella’s near SMU, also owns this Olivella’s location at Mockingbird and Abrams. The menu includes sandwiches and salads, but is best known for its Neapolitan-style pizza. Cooked in a wood fire oven, the pies live up to the Olivella’s reputation. USA Today named it one of the 50 great pizzas in America, Zagat called it “The First Real Pizza in Dallas” and Rachel Ray called it “the most delicious pizza you’ll ever eat.” Green has made extensive updates since Pizzeria Venti occupied the space, most ostensibly to the patio. The remodeled outdoor area holds 40-50 guests, he tells us.

More business bits

1. A new Italian restaurant, Verona’s, has opened on Garland near Hypnotic Donuts and Barbec’s. This is the third location for Owner Zeqir Lokaj who has a Verona’s in Plano and Alba.

2. Also on Garland, Deaton’s Gift Shop has closed; the Dallas Arboretum has purchased the property.

3. MoMo Italian restaurant will move this month from its Forest Lane location to another Forest Lane address, in the former Top Cat restaurant space.