Photography by Ethan Good.
Ella Dina + Drinks, the upscale American bistro that opened in June at Preston Hollow Village, has closed less than four months after its debut.
D Magazine reported that owner Blaine McGowan confirmed the closure in an email to the outlet, saying both Ella and the upstairs speakeasy Customs Agave Lounge have permanently shut down.
In the email, McGowan wrote, “It’s really hard for independent restaurants to survive these days. We had an amazing product, a beautiful space, and a very solid team.”
Photography by Ethan Good.
Ella replaced McGowan’s previous concept Chído Taco Lounge in the Preston Hollow Village space and was named after McGowan’s 10-year-old daughter. The restaurant featured food from chef Kyle Farr, formerly of Boulevardier, and cocktails by beverage director Julian Shaffer, a MICHELIN-recognized bartender.
McGowan told the Preston Hollow Advocate earlier this year that he hoped Ella would bring a downtown-style dining experience to North Dallas. But despite strong press and early neighborhood interest, the restaurant could not overcome financial challenges.
The quick closure comes as many other new independent restaurants have struggled to find their place in the Dallas culinary scene, even those with experienced teams and strong early buzz.
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