One of the most iconic independent grocery stores in Texas marked its last day this week, before the property becomes a restaurant. Roy Pope Grocery, which has been serving Fort Worth since 1943, closed Sunday. In its place will come a refreshed concept from a hospitality group seeking to continue the grocery store’s legacy.
The history of Roy Pope Grocery starts with the business’ namesake. Pope and his wife Rose opened the grocery with an in-store laundromat. In time the grocery became known for its butcher counter and deli with staples like chicken-fried steak and King Ranch casserole; with that success, Pope opened a nearby contemporary fine-dining restaurant called Carriage House, which lasted for decades.
“For more than 80 years, Roy Pope has been proud to serve the Fort Worth community—and we’re excited for this next chapter,” read a post from the Roy Pope Facebook account on May 17. “Thank you to our loyal guests, neighbors, and team for your continued support as we refresh and grow while keeping the spirit of Roy Pope alive.”
Longtime Roy Pope fans weren’t quite sure what to expect at first, but over the last two weeks more details have trickled out about what’s going to happen at the Merrick Street property. First, the current owners of the business opted to close Roy Pope on May 31, according to Gigi Howell of Westland Hospitality Group.
But the next day, Westland, a Fort Worth company that oversees Curly’s Frozen Custard, JD’s Hamburgers, Pulido’s Kitchen & Cantina and Margie’s Italian Gardens, will take over the space. Westland is turning the property into a restaurant.
“Although the grocery is closing, our restaurant will humbly bear the name Roy Pope as an homage to what once was,” Howell wrote on a Facebook post under the Westland Hospitality account on May 23.
Westland managing partner Bourke Harvey told Bud Kennedy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on May 19 that the new Roy Pope restaurant will serve classic Southern American fare when it opens behind chef Juan Rodriguez, Levi Gardner and Howell.
“Our promise is to bring great food, mindful hospitality, and a deep respect for history into the space as we begin shaping what comes next,” Powell added in the Facebook post. “As plans come together, we are looking closely at the dishes, desserts, details, and memories that have made Roy Pope special to so many.”