CTTO/ NBC 5
Fort Worth, Texas — After over two decades at its iconic Sundance Square location, the beloved Fort Worth restaurant Reata has closed its doors, only to reopen soon on Throckmorton Street. On Sunday night, friends, family, and loyal customers gathered to say farewell to the cherished eatery, marking the end of an era but also the beginning of a new chapter.
“It’s a little bit bittersweet. We’re only looking forward to the future. We’re excited to go to the tower,” said Mike Micallef, president of Reata Restaurant, expressing optimism about the move.
Reata’s lease at Sundance Square was not renewed, prompting the search for a new home. The relocation brings the Texas-style restaurant back to its original Fort Worth roots. The restaurant was previously situated on Throckmorton Street but moved to Sundance Square after a tornado in 2000 destroyed their building.
“When we first came to Fort Worth in May of 1996, we were open at the top of the Bank One Tower. That’s when it was still an office building. Subsequent to the tornado, it’s been converted to condominiums, and there’s retail space in the bottom of the building, and that’s where we’ll be at,” Micallef explained.
For Micallef and his family, who originally opened the first Reata in Alpine, Texas, the move is a full-circle moment. He acknowledged the challenges of relocating a large establishment but praised his team for their efforts in ensuring a smooth transition.
“With any space, we’re going to try to use the attributes of that space to the best of our ability. A lot of the décor, artifacts, and pictures that you see here will make their way over there,” Micallef assured.
Reata has been a beloved backdrop for countless weddings, bridal parties, baby showers, anniversaries, birthdays, corporate events, and other significant life moments. Deborah Ferguson, NBC 5 Today morning news anchor and Fort Worth native, reflected on the restaurant’s importance to the community. “It means family, it means Fort Worth, it means Texas,” she said, recalling special memories her family made at Reata.
Micallef expressed gratitude for the many stories customers have shared about what Reata means to them, including humorous anecdotes. “They said, ‘Oh, I’ve had four first dates here, and I’ve had four last dates here.’ So that’s just one of the funnier stories,” he chuckled.
Sunday night saw a packed house as people sought to make final memories at the beloved venue. Among them was Marc Rhoten, celebrating his 23rd wedding anniversary with his wife Jennifer and son Jackson. “It’s been a part of our life—birthdays, anniversaries, date night,” he said. “I’m sorry to see that it’s leaving here but it’s going to its original place in the tower, so it will be kind of nice.”
Despite the move, some patrons expressed sadness but remained hopeful for Reata’s success at its new location. “I think it’s sad, they probably didn’t want to move, but wherever it lands, I think it will be a success,” said Skyler Mathis, who attended with friends on Sunday night.
Micallef acknowledged the unique charm of their Sundance Square rooftop, known for its magical views and distinctive vibe, and pondered how to recreate that atmosphere at the new site. He remains confident that the essence of Reata will thrive in its new home.
“We close the doors tonight but are filled with immense gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead,” Micallef said during a toast in the dining room on Sunday, marking the end of one chapter and the exciting start of another for Reata Restaurant.