See that "future restaurant" spot at the top left? That'll be Mudhen next spring.
Weeks after The Official Groundbreaking at The New And Improved Dallas Farmers Market, which went private almost one years ago, there’s finally some breaking-ish news about a new tenant. And its name is … Mudhen.
Is that doesn’t impress you, maybe this will: The 5,500-square-foot eat-n-drinkery is the brainchild of Shannon Wynne and partners Keith Schlabs and Larry Richardson, otherwise known as the trio behind Meddlesome Moth, LARK on the Park, Bird Café, Rodeo Goat, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium and Flying Fish. So, yeah. That’s big news, no? Especially since it’s been rumored for months.
The release that went out this morning more or less confirms what developer Brian Bergersen told us way back in December – that the proposed beer garden at the market would “look like a roadside fruit stand.” Says the release, the menu will be culled from the best of what’s available at the market as well as “strive to provide some national produce if not readily available locally.”
Says Wynne, who of course Tango’d with the 8.0 long ago, “The opportunity to be part of the Dallas Farmers Market redevelopment was one we simply could not pass up. Mudhen will focus on a healthful, chef-driven menu that highlights the freshest ingredients available in the city, mostly because we will have daily access to many local, and some imported, growers just 200 feet away from our kitchen.”
And, of course, there will be beer. Lots and lots of beer.
A chef hasn’t been chosen yet. But construction’s due to begin in fall, with a spring 2015 opening on the books.
“Shannon knows great food and how to create a welcome, casual dining experience with an element of fun,” Bergersen says in this morning’s release. “Mudhen fits all the goals of our mission at the Dallas Farmers Market to provide fresh, local produce to our community. We’re excited about Mudhen being part of the market’s redevelopment.”
Not saying this offsets the loss of Pecan Lodge to Deep Ellum. But it’s a good start.