19 June 22 - 28, 2023 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Surf’s Up The former Sandbar in Deep Ellum is going to be a surfing bar and res- taurant complete with a simulated wave pool. BY DANNY GALLAGHER S ometimes it feels as if Deep El- lum has changed every time a venue, restaurant or bar closes and new tenants move into the unoccupied spaces before we’ve had a chance to settle back into our pre-pandemic routine. But one of the new- est concepts to hit Dallas’ live music district isn’t straying too far from its predecessor’s original concept. A new entertainment company called Goodsurf has announced it will open its first venue in Dallas in the first quarter of 2024 in Deep Ellum, occupying a spot that once housed the beach-themed Sandbar Cantina. Goodsurf will retain the property’s beach con- cept but with a new technological edge. You’ll be able to surf in a simulated wave pool in Deep Ellum. Urban Entertainment Concepts an- nounced in a statement released on Monday its plans to convert the old Sandbar Cantina on South 2nd Avenue, which closed in May, into a “unique new entertainment concept that combines surfing with an engaging bar, restaurant and beer garden experience.” The main attraction at Goodsurf will be a simulated, endless deep water wave pool built by Citywave that can produce a wave up to 6 feet tall for landlocked surfers to pull off their sickest cutbacks, tail slides and kick outs. No more waiting for that perfect wave on the Trinity River, Dallas. Citywave has simulated wave pools all over the world in places such as Switzer- land, Austria, Spain, France and even the Munich Airport in Germany. A Citywave pool called Fireside Surf is planned to open in September in The Colony’s Grandscape shopping and entertainment district. The new Goodsurf location will include a restaurant and bar for board riders who work up an appetite and a thirst between waves. Zach Shor, Goodsurf’s chief executive of- ficer, previously worked as the chief operat- ing officer for Topgolf International and was the head of innovation for GameStop. He said in the statement that his company’s goal is to make the sport of surfing more accessi- ble with each new location. “Surfing is one of the most inaccessible sports in the world, and citywave breaks that barrier down for everyone in a fun and au- thentic way,” Shor said. “The wave creates an energy that flows into the rest of the facil- ity — it’s a blast to surf and great to watch, especially with a cold drink in your hand.” Sandbar Cantina, a beach-themed bar with outdoor sand volleyball courts, closed on May 26 after 11 years in Deep Ellum, ac- cording to its Facebook page. It was across the street from the Double Wide, which, we’re glad to say, will not be replaced any time soon by a craft-beer-and-bingo parlor. ▼ DENTON THE SONG CONTINUES ONE OF THE COOLEST SPOTS IN DENTON, KILLER’S TACOS, IS CLOSING, BUT NOT TO WORRY; IT WILL STILL HAVE TACOS AND MUSIC WITH EL CUCUY. BY AVA THOMPSON W ith approximately 10,000 live performances in their so-called DIY music venue, Killer’s Tacos, owner Jeff Seley and his son Joey have served the Denton community for 7 years now. With this legacy under their belt, the duo is closing the joint at 424 Bryan St. on Saturday, July 1. “Joey and I have decided that we want to move into the next phase of our lives, so I’m going to retire from working,” Jeff Seley says. “And Joey wants to do something else. He’s actually going to go work on a farm for a friend of his. So he’s a farm boy from way back at heart, I guess.” With one-of-a-kind tacos and a live music ambiance a person could come across only in Denton, this goodbye proves difficult. “When we posted that we were closing, the amount of well wishes was very hum- bling and heart-wrenching,” Jeff Seley says. “It’s tough. I have very few customers, but a thousand friends.” The property is being left in the hands of Denton musician and restaurateur Mark Kimberlin, who owns the El Cucuy Burritos food trucks. He’s using Killer’s Tacos’ location as his storefront, and Seley knows Kimberlin will do the place justice. Kimberlin is renovating the kitchen, indoor seating, and — this part might be especially ex- citing to regulars — the air conditioning. Plus, not to worry, the music venue portion will continue as well once the res- taurant is up and running. “He’s a music guy,” Seley says of Kimber- lin. “He’s a Denton guy. He’s a restaurant guy. He’s a local guy. He’s an independent operator; he is not a chain. No, we are not selling out. He’s a hardworking guy. He’s go- ing to do well, so we are very excited to turn this over to somebody as deserving as he is.” This transition presents a difficult turn for Killer’s Tacos employees. “The worst thing about it definitely is the employees having to transition to other jobs,” Seley says. “So Mark has offered to put all of them to work. However, he’s not going to be able to do that until he’s open. And we’re looking at probably 60 days until he’s open.” But the team is helping employees during this time with increased wages and bonuses for staying until Killer’s Tacos’ final days. “We love them, so we just want to see them do well,” Seley says. Live music will be ringing through the joint every single day until the July 1 fare- well. The Denton favorite is dropping the curtain with a beach-themed, surf punk send-out party. “The last show is going to be a punk show,” Seley says. “It’s going to start at 2 in the afternoon and go until the night. It’s go- ing to be a beach theme.” But the day after that, it’s construction time. Jeff Seley will still be there helping Kimberlin settle El Cucuy into its new home. Seley just wants to show his apprecia- tion to his customers. “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts,” he says. “This town is really cool. I’ve worked other places all over the metro- plex, and never have I been treated better. We just feel very lucky to have known all of these people.” Courtesy of Urban Entertainment Concepts A new surfing bar will open in Deep Ellum. | B-SIDES | ▼ Music Jordan Maddox El Cucuy will take over Killer’s Tacos’ space. since 1978! New Location! 609 N Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201
