Sugarfire Smoke House was named “Best Barbecue” by the Travel Channel. Photo courtesy Sugarfire Smoke House
2020 presented unprecedented challenges for small businesses across the neighborhood and country.
From slow starts to open doors to COVID-related permanent closures, here is what came and went in Lake Highlands this past year so far:
January
The year started off with a closure when Fish Bone Grill on Northwest Highway closed doors after 37 years of business.
February
Irish pub Lochland’s Food & Sprits opened Feb. 6 along Plano Road inside a 3,000-square-foot space that was previously a veterinary clinic.
After 30 years in the neighborhood, Picasso’s Pizza closed in mid-February.
March
Crumbl Cookies opened at Timber Creek on March 5. The national franchise delivers cookies across the nation.
April
Highly anticipated brewery and restaurant Vector Brewing opened in Lakeridge Village on April 7.
June
After postponing their debut in March, Marble Slab Creamery & Great American Cookies opened in Lakeridge Village on June 8.
August
Ghost kitchen Mezes & More began serving food to go during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
After eight years, South American restaurant Nazca Kitchen closed permanently due to COVID-19.
Detroit-style pizza ghost kitchen Big D Pizza started out of Alfonso’s Italian Restaurant.
October
Monkey King Noodle Co. opened its second restaurant in Lake Highlands after finding success at its original location in Deep Ellum.
November
St. Louis-style barbecue restaurant Sugarfire Smoke House opened at the Creekside center on Veterans Day.
Crossroads Diner owner and chef Tom Fleming announced on Facebook the restaurant was closing after nearly 10 years in the neighborhood.
7-Eleven’s Evolution Store held a ribbon cutting Nov. 19. The freshly renovated 7-Eleven also comes with a Laredo Taco Company restaurant attached.
Nigerian bakery Jolly Jolly Bakery opened Nov. 14 along Skillman Street. Jolly Jolly Bakery serves Nigerian snacks and an array of breads baked fresh daily.
December
Ronnie’s Catfish & More held a grand opening Dec. 5 along Audelia Road and serves catfish, fillets, tails, sandwiches and more.
