While Southlake saw many exciting openings this past year, it also said goodbye to many of the longtime restaurant staples that have defined the dining experience in Southlake. Here are five local eateries that Southlake will miss dearly in 2022 and beyond.
Opening in 2019, Herencia Texican Cuisine was a Latin American restaurant that added a Texas twist to its entrees. Using fresh meat, farm-grown veggies and exotic spices, Herencia’s flavorful cuisine was named a finalist in multiple Southlake Style Readers’ Choice categories, including business lunch and margarita. Its Texican Margarita even won best cocktail in 2020. While a new restaurant will be coming into the space next year, Herencia is one Texican staple local diners will miss having.
Herencia wasn’t the only restaurant to close in the Shops of Southlake. Over the summer, Howard Wang’s China Grill also announced its closure after nearly eight years of service. The restaurant previously featured several signature family-crafted recipes on its menu such as Peking duck, ginger beef tenderloin and shrimp and sea scallops. While the Southlake location sadly closed, residents can thankfully still enjoy Howard Wang’s fresh flavors in Dallas and Frisco.
Over Thanksgiving, Southlake had one less bakery to its name after Panera Bread closed that same week. Serving fresh bread, brunch and breakfast delights since 1987, Panera Bread provided a variety of artisan treats for its customers such as soups, salads, sandwiches, savory pastas and more. While the Southlake restaurant closed its doors for good on Nov. 24, residents can still fulfill their bread and baking needs at its Roanoke and Euless restaurants.
After 15 years of service, Johnny B’s Burgers and Shakes permanently shut its doors earlier last spring. Originally opening in 2004, Johnny B’s served up fresh burgers, hand-cut fries and homemade milkshakes for everybody alongside Southlake Boulevard. Its burgers received high marks from the community, being named a winner in Southlake Style’s Readers’ Choice 2020 and a finalist in 2021. Sadly, its only location closed for good on April 18.
One of the last closures we sadly saw this year was Whimsy Cookie Co. on Southlake Boulevard. A sweet shop that originated from Tennessee, Whimsy Cookie Co. specialized in frosted sugar cookies and gooey butter cookies made from cake batter. Named a finalist in the bakery and desserts categories in Southlake Style’s Readers’ Choice 2021, Whimsy Cookie Co. closed on Nov. 1, but fans can still order its sweet treats online at WhimsyCookieCo.com.