16 July 10 - 16, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Harvey told us he hasn’t seen Moreno’s plan come to fruition. “I have yet to see anything resembling that effort,” Harvey says. “He could start by working with the county on business per- sonal property (BPP) tax exemptions for af- fected businesses. A second step could be an exemption for the city taxes placed on TABC permits for affected businesses. A third step could be exemption of the property taxes for the landlords, which are normally passed di- rectly to the tenants through our lease agreements. None of these options would require applications from the individual businesses or grant reviews.” We contacted Moreno again this week, asking what work he had done to get fund- ing for the small businesses. His team wrote back to us via email. “I have been very attentive to the con- cerns in the Deep Ellum community with its recent construction projects,” Moreno said. “I will continue my work with the Deep El- lum Foundation to ensure that I’m receiving the input I need to represent the best inter- ests of the folks in this community.” Well, yeah. It’s Moreno’s job to represent the best interests of the folks in this commu- nity, but why aren’t those folks feeling sup- ported? Stephanie Hudiburg is the executive di- rector of the Deep Ellum Foundation and serves as something of a bridge between the local administration and the small business owners in Deep Ellum. “This is going to be a long process that will, at the end of the day, result in some- thing really positive,” she says. “But in the meantime, it is something that our busi- nesses wake up to every day. There are places that put their heart and soul into these businesses. They’re our owners, they’re here every day making it work, and they need support now.” Of course, the owners and government officials will be the most involved through- out this ordeal, but what role does the Deep Ellum patron play? How does the Dallasite who is used to shopping, eating or going out to shows in the neighborhood make their voice heard too? “I would let elected officials and City Hall representatives know the importance of this neighborhood,” Hudiburg says. “As a resident, as a lover of arts and culture, what- ever you are, everybody has a Deep Ellum story.” ▼ EAT THIS ‘DINNER ON AISLE 9’ MANY LOCAL AND SPECIALTY GROCERY STORES OFFER GREAT TAKEOUT, AND SOME DINE-IN OPTIONS THAT ARE HEALTHY, BUDGET-FRIENDLY AND ACTUALLY AMAZING. BY ALEX GONZALEZ Y our new favorite restaurant may be hidden inside a grocery store. While Dallas has no shortage of incredible bars and restaurants, some grocery stores also boast some hidden gem meals. Barbe- cue, sushi and Italian beef sandwiches are some of our favorites from these local shops, and with restaurant appetizers costing as much as entrees these days, dining at a gro- cery store may just be the latest wave, ac- cording to New York Magazine. But who’s complaining? Not us. With deals, daily specials and specialty fare, some of these grocery stores can’t be beat. We’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite grocery stores where shoppers can sit down and enjoy a meal. 99 Ranch Market 2532 Old Denton Road, Carrollton; 131 Spring Creek Parkway, Plano; 9292 Warren Parkway, No. 200, Frisco Asian food is always a good choice, but de- ciding which type can be tricky. Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese are all deli- cious, and thankfully, 99 Ranch Market has various food booths where you can order them all: ramen, pho, dumplings or sushi. The bakery also has buns, egg tarts and many sweet snacks. Ready-to-eat meals also include roast duck and bento boxes. Ari’s Pantry 1800 Main St, No 124, downtown; 1307 1/2 W. Davis St., Oak Cliff; 3011 Gulden Lane (Trin- ity Groves) With three locations in Dallas and more on the way, Ari’s Pantry offers an incredible se- lection of curated meats, cheeses, pastas, sauces (some house-made) and other gour- met Italian products. Shoppers can also pur- chase pasta dishes like lasagna and lemon chicken, along with sandwiches and bread from their prepared foods section. They also have fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. And we can vouch for the gelato at the downtown location, which is sold by the scoop(s) or pint. Berkley’s Market 3300 Knox St., No. 200, Knox Henderson; 2822 McKinney Ave.; uptown; 2001 Ross Ave., No. 150, Arts District At any time of the day, Berkley’s Market is a vibe. Whether you’re grabbing a coffee and an almond croissant in the morning or relax- ing with a book and a glass of wine in the evening, Berkley’s makes for a fun hangout spot. Good music plays throughout the store while you munch on light bites, like sand- wiches and salads. And of course, grab whatever snacks and beauty products you need for the week on the way out. Central Market Various locations A subsidiary of H-E-B, Central Market boasts hearty and healthy options store- wide. Each location offers made-to-order burgers, Asian dishes, sandwiches and more. Additionally, the store’s meatloaf with a side of mashed potatoes makes for a comforting plate in between meetings or after a stressful day of work. Foxtrot 3130 Knox St., Knox Henderson; 6565 Hill- crest Ave., University Park While Foxtrot is always a good choice, the best time to go is in the morning. Nothing beats a chorizo and egg breakfast taco before a long day of work, or a coffee-date smoothie to grab while on the go. The store also offers plenty of desk snacks, like cara- mel popcorn and portable charcuterie. H-E-B Various locations We recently ranked our favorite dips from H-E-B, any of which make for an amazing and self-indulgent meal. You can also find an abundance of creative favorites in-store, like the buffalo wing flavored chips, the crock- pot brisket queso and the lemon pepper ro- tisserie chicken. But don’t sleep on the store’s barbecue restaurant. True Texas BBQ has consistently been named one of the best barbecue chains and has some of the best damn brisket and mac and cheese we’ve ever tasted. Henk’s European Deli & Black Forest Bakery 5811 Blackwell St. (Park Lane) While guests of Henk’s can enjoy traditional European plates — like sausage samplers and wiener schnitzel — the desserts here are the star of the show. We wrote about “the cake of Dallas,” the Swiss Madrissa a light and fruity cake. They also have apple strudel and Black Forest cake. You can purchase Eu- ropean items like lingonberry jams, meatball gravy and a variety of breads inside the shop. But mostly just go buy yourself a small, pretty cake. Adulting is hard and you de- serve it. Jimmy’s Food Store 4901 Bryan St., Old East Dallas The Bear may be television’s hottest show right now, but you don’t have to go to Chi- cago to get a killer Italian beef sandwich. Earlier this year, we wrote about Jimmy’s Food Store having the most iconic sand- wich in Dallas. The selection of beef, sau- sage, spices, sauces and pasta is ideal for those passionate about Italian food, and will make believers out of those who aren’t. Head to the deli in the back for fresh paninis, beef sandwiches and more — most of the menu sits around 10 bucks. Also, keep an eye out for excellent deals on their niche Italian wine seleciton. La Suprema Market 6726 Main St., Frisco If there’s anything Texas loves as much as barbecue, it’s Mexican food. At La Suprema Market in Frisco, guests are encouraged to shop, then stay and eat. The restaurant lo- cated in the back of the store offers tradi- tional Mexican plates, with tacos, tortas, sopita and more. Not to mention, large mar- garitas and michelada cocktails. Be sure to pop on over on Tuesdays, when you can get three or more tacos for $2 each. Market Street 4268 Legacy Drive, Frisco While many Market Street Stores have their own restaurants inside, we recom- Lauren Drewes Daniels The deli at the back of Jimmy’s serves meats by the pound and a steady stream of sandwiches. City of Ate from p15
