Adios Casa Blanca
So we noticed Casa Blanca was closed the past few days, and we wondered if perhaps it was just a summer vacation. If El Jordan can take a few weeks off every summer, why not another Bishop Arts area restaurant? But Sunday afternoon we noticed a Uhaul truck parked along Davis loading up furniture from the restaurant, and that pretty much confirmed that this will be a permanent vacation for Casa Blanca.
In the interest in reporting on more than a sighting of a Uhaul truck, we contacted Gina Lara, owner of Casa Blanca to try to get the skinny on what’s happening. Lara explained that it was a difficult decision, but that Casa Blanca is seeking out a smaller location in the Cliff and hopes to reopen soon.
We also spoke with Amanda Cross, the owner of the building at 400 West Davis, to get her thoughts on the closing and to hear who or what might take their place. “The restaurant business is one of the hardest businesses out there.” explained Cross. “I loved Casa Blanca and worked closely with them to try to help them make it. I wish them the best and hope they find a location that is a better fit”.
As for what may take their place in the space that has also been occupied by Twilight and Grill 400, Cross said that she has had some calls from well known Dallas-area restaurant operators with significant experience and she’s excited to see what develops for the space and for the neighborhood.
I have known and spoken with many people who have rented space from Amanda Cross. Not one good word about her has ever been spoken about her and/or her busuiness ethics. Raised rents over and over and other grievances FORCED them to move out. She’s interested in herself and her own gains and NOT the good of Oak Cliff.
I’m increasingly uncomfortable with extremely critical comments that are submitted anonymously. I think if you have something to say and don’t feel comfortable putting your name on it, you probably shouldn’t say it.
It is my understanding that Amanda went out of her way to work with Casa Blanca. It’s easy to blame the landlord in situations like this, but I know that it’s never that simple. The space at 400 West Davis is large – and given the amount of traffic I saw going in and out of Casa Blanca I can imagine it was difficult to cover the overhead/ rent.
Hopefully Amanda is able to get a good tenant for the future, and hopefully Casa Blanca finds a space that’s a better fit for them.
Why not a neighborhood corner grocery store? Bishop Arts has plenty of restaurants already, and North Oak Cliff has no shortage of good Tex-Mex options.
Good suggestion, Daniel. A little market, maybe with a pannini press and a few well prepared, take home dinner offerings, would a nice addition to the neighborhood.
Amen, Rob!
it so easy to judge others from our sad little lives if there is no repercussions.
That was one reason that we “traveled: to Oak Cliff, from North Plano. Good Food…service was so-so, but no matter, FOOD WAS GOOD…..What is the rent /sq ft/triple net, at Bishop Arts? It seems to be be busy on weekends..
Yes, please. A corner grocery! Before we all go out of our minds asking for one.
A small grocery would be awesome!
i think it should be an art supply store or a craft sewing store! we don’t have anything like that in oak cliff
i loathe having to drive to north dallas or cedar hill just to get art supplies :[
if i had the money that is what i would make in this space. art is such a HUGE part of oak cliff this would be a huge profit store
[...] Casa Blanca closed. If you’re keeping score, that makes three Bishop Arts District restaurants that have closed lately. The others are Vitto Italian and Cafe Madrid. [...]
That space is cursed! Cursed, I tell you!
Since moving to Fort Greene, Brooklyn a few years ago from West Kessler, I often find myself noting the crazy similarities between this evolving ‘hood in Brooklyn and North Oak Cliff. I think it is an interesting testament to the vibe in Bishop Arts that the area would draw so many restaurants, but I agree that the area could use some interesting new dimensions – and a small market would be perfect. The concept described in a few of the comments above is just about the only shopping option we have in most parts of Brooklyn and I am amazed at the incredible selection of very high-quality and often artisanal/local food and drinks. You would be amazed at the selection of good food you can squeeze into a very small store. Someone jump on it! I promise to roll through next time I am in town.
I too would love to see a market or even the art supply store sounded great. Anything other than another generic restaurant with a badly airbrushed sign. But practical doesn’t seem much of a concern these days.
What would it take to clean up the Bishop Arts gateway? The Bishop/Davis intersection doesn’t exactly scream class with the broken ass fountain in what could be a nice sitting area and the poorly painted shops.
Good comments Rob. We are a neighborhood which is evolving and attracting a slew of different businesses and restuarants. I frequent most all of the restuarants in our neighborhhod and am glad they are here and I do so to try to support all of them. That being said….. good food alone does not make a restuarant successful….. and if you frequent these restuarants, it is clear that the ones that do not make it lack something in other areas…… and to simply place blame on the owner of the building is like blaming a car manufacturer because you didn’t put gas in your car. If you dont have a clue….. dont speak up. And if you still insist on doing so….. have the courage to say who you are! This location is too good to not have something hugely successful there, but they have to be the right fit.
Anonymous – dirty pool there. Amanda Cross is quite the opposite so here are a few good words – a tireless advocate for North Oak Cliff whether it be for efforts with the Dallas Hispanic Chamber, Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce and more recently years of volunteer service for the Bishop/Davis Land Use Study. She is certainly well respected in the business community and with our political leadership.
The restaurant business is tough and Casa Blanca did not succeed for similar reasons that Vitto’s and Cafe Madrid did not, but alas there are more coming with concepts that will take over those locations that we believe will add more variety to what exists today.
And DITTO to the corner grocery store idea. I agree and would love to make this happen in BAD so put your thinking caps on and send them my way!
And a really cool use coming to the old Police Storefront that North Oak Cliff will love ( its not related to food )