The old Ruby sign has been redone for Birdie's Eastside. Photo by Renee Umstead.
In the spring of 2021, restaurateur John Alexis was in the market to open another location of his wet market, TJ's Seafood, in Preston Hollow. East he toured the newly opened Ruby's on Mockingbird Lane while Alexis scouted the site with his broker. Ruby's had closed the store during the pandemic and returned the property to its landlord, the adjacent St. Thomas Aquinas Church and School. St. Thomas then engaged Sarah Lamb of The Retail Connection to market the vacant 2.2-acre building for rental.
Alexis left the building dreaming of a gathering place that looked, smelled, and felt like East Dallas, rather than another TJ. But just like his vision, it was clear that paying market rent for a large space in East Dallas would be economically fatal.
“But we never gave up,” Alexis said. “We wrote them a sincere letter explaining our vision and goals. We discussed that we wanted to be part of the community for decades. We made a promise about the flow. Most importantly, if they would consider selling rather than leasing, we would create a restrictive agreement that would make the church and school families very comfortable. I guess.”
St. Thomas considered this change and added sales options to Lamb's marketing efforts. But they still didn't sell to Alexis. The church considered it the responsible act of the trustees to return to the market with the news in order to consider a sale.
Offers came from nightclub owners, apartment complex developers and other restaurant operators. Some were impossible zoning challenges, most of which were unattractive to the church as a neighbor. St. Thomas returns to Alexis' letter and, as Alexis says, “We won the Bake Off.”
Lamb said it took a year to get all the paperwork in place after signing the agreement.
Alexis was a little more descriptive. “They put us through the wringer! The church and school were in the neighborhood,” he said.
The sale was completed in July 2022. The recorded deed restricts many unfriendly neighborhood uses and includes an opportunity for St. Thomas to buy back the land and building should Alexis wish to put the property up for sale.
One more step. Lamb said canon law sets certain standards for church items, and separation of church items requires not only diocesan approval but also a holy rubber stamp from the Vatican. No word yet on whether Pope Francis will attend the restaurant's opening.
Rendering courtesy of Birdie's Eastside.
The easy-going East Dallas restaurant, which welcomes all neighborhood residents, was an instant hit with Alexis, who said she workshopped the idea. Other themes considered were his BBQ restaurant and his Eatzi's-style location in East Dallas. But they quickly landed on Birdie's east side.
Alexis, who has lived in Gaston, Junius Heights and M Street, asked in a press release. “East Dallas is a casual, fun, outdoor city. Doesn't it deserve a really cool indoor/outdoor spot?”
During a recent site tour, Alexis said she wants a “forever East Dallas facility.”
Much of the money to put together the Birdie deal came from private investors in East Dallas. Alexis calls them the “Ambassador Club,” and hopes they'll spread the word about new places to close deals, feed a soccer team, or have an adult-only after-work beer. There is.
When Alexis describes Birdies, it's not far from what Lott once was or wanted to be. The Lot question often comes up in Alexis' neighborhood focus groups. The owner and operator of the restaurant is a friend in the industry, and Alexis chose discretion, only saying that Birdie's would be more centrally located and have a newer interior.
Much of the building's exterior and interior will remain. Luby's kitchen, cooking and refrigeration equipment is of high quality and is used to serve Birdie's customers.
“We can literally bake our own bread here,” Alexis said of the kitchen. “We can grind our own sausages. We can slaughter our own cows here!”
Birdie's has a cozy entryway with a large plant wall that leads to a patio with a fire pit, Adirondack chairs, interlocking pergola, and picnic table. Outdoor dinners are served at the indoor bar, which has access to the patio through his two garage doors, which are open during the day. Adjacent to the courtyard is a grassy area. He heard from “mothers in focus groups” that they wanted “just a space” for their children, not a play area.
Beyond the patio and new trees is a large indoor dining area that seats 250 people at tables and booths. The old suspended ceilings were replaced by cathedral architecture. There is an adults-only lounge on the left past the restrooms, and Alexis said they plan to do a separate branding campaign once it opens if it makes sense.
Behind the large dining area is a private dining room for up to 40 guests with a private patio.
This still leaves the old pick-up window and service space that Luby's will utilize for to-go orders. No decisions have been made on that space yet. “We have some ideas that we are considering,” Alexis said.
Birdie's is open daily for lunch and dinner, and Alexis guarantees a great brunch.
The space was designed by Hatsumi Kuuzu of kuzuu design and has a cozy Marfa feel, featuring distressed wood, pew-style benches, custom Mexican tile, and Western art. Construction will be carried out by UK Services.
The name, although it may not be logically obvious, comes from the busy four-lane street in front of it. Both ground and pole signs will remain with the new logo.
So how about Luan's platter? Don't expect cheap meals with small portions. But Alexis recognizes her favorite memories. “We salute the Luan platter,” Alexis said.
Birdie's Eastside is scheduled to open in late 2023 at 6221 E. Mockingbird Lane.
