The interior of Théodore’s Steak and Seafood restaurant is seen, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
The exterior of Théodore’s Steak and Seafood restaurant is seen, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Prince Edward Island mussels are seen at Théodore’s Steak and Seafood restaurant, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Bar Manager Kyle McCaskill makes “To Kill a Bull Moose” at Théodore’s Steak and Seafood, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Bar Manager Kyle McCaskill prepares “To Kill a Bull Moose” at Théodore’s Steak and Seafood, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Wendy Félix Dionisio, chef de cuisine of Théodore’s Steak and Seafood, cooks Prince Edward Island mussels at the restaurant, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
The interior of Théodore’s Steak and Seafood restaurant is reflected in a mirror, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
A wall decoration of Théodore’s Steak and Seafood restaurant is seen, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
The interior of Théodore’s Steak and Seafood restaurant is seen, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
At Campo Verde, time stood still, suspended between Christmas lights and the train that circled the entire restaurant. Now that same space is telling a different story.
In the building that once housed the Christmas paradise, Théodore’s now stands — a seafood and steak restaurant that opened in April and completely transformed the atmosphere of the place.
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“We decided to transform this building, and this steak house just felt right for this community, for this neighborhood, for Arlington,” said chef Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht, culinary director and founder of Théodore’s. “We want our steak house to feel American, robust, and masculine.”
An interior view of the Campo Verde bar in the Tex-Mex restaurant on W. Pioneer Parkway in Arlington, June 17, 2025.
Tom Fox/Staff Photographer
Where there were once multicolored Christmas lights, today dark woods, leather and subdued lighting with elegant chandeliers and discreet lights dominate. The restaurant is inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt, whom Benhamacht has always admired.
Here and there, you can see antique art, old photos and posters from the early 20th century, and, as the centerpiece of the decor, a photograph of Roosevelt riding a moose.
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Of the building’s 10,000 square feet, the new dining room occupies 7,500, with seating for 140 guests.
The interior of Théodore’s Steak and Seafood restaurant is seen, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
The menu has also undergone a complete transformation. Gone is the Tex-Mex cuisine served at Campo Verde; in its place are high-end dishes ranging from a seafood risotto to a Scottish salmon or a Tomahawk steak.
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“The public is enjoying the new space; they feel it’s what the community has been waiting for in the area,” said Benhamacht. “Now they don’t have to drive to Fort Worth or Dallas to get a high-end steak.”
A Tomahawk steak is served with sauces at Théodore’s Steak and Seafood restaurant, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News
Benhamacht and his partner, Liesl Best, acquired Campo Verde in early 2025, following its closure in January that year. The restaurant had been a staple of the Dalworthington Gardens and Arlington area since 1983.
In June 2025, Benhamacht reopened Campo Verde with the same Christmas-themed decor and offering elevated Tex-Mex cuisine, but it didn’t get the response he had hoped for.
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“We tried to give it our best, but I think there was kind of a disconnect between us and the massive fan base that Campo Verde already had,” said Benhamacht. “And we kind of just fell short of their expectations. And that’s OK — things happen for a reason.”
A steak house was already on the radar of this duo, who also own Cafe Americana in Arlington. In December 2025, they closed Campo Verde for good and paved the way for the birth of Théodore’s, the only steak house in the Dalworthington Gardens area.
Théodore’s is at 2918 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington. Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays. Closed Mondays.
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Chef de cuisine Wendy Félix Dionisio and Owner and Chef Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht, pose for a photo at their restaurant, Théodore’s Steak and Seafood, Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Arlington.
Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News