Fort Worth: Sundance Square

[dfwcre8tive]

Basses put 'For Sale' sign on city's iconic glass towers
STAR-TELEGRAM
Posted on Thu, May. 03, 2007
http://www.star-telegram.com/189/story/90202.html

Image: http://media.star-telegram.com/smedia/2007/05/03/15/493-towers1.standalone.prod_affiliate.58.jpg

Fort Worth's Bass family has put its twin downtown skyscrapers, known collectively as City Center Towers, up for sale.

The family's operating company, Sundance Square, has retained an office broker to value the 33-story Wells Fargo Tower, 201 Main St., and the 38-story D.R. Horton Tower, 301 Commerce St., for a possible sale.

The operating company, which manages the mixed-use development Sundance Square, said the hiring of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler does not represent a retreat from the company's aggressive downtown development strategy.

“We have retained HFF to assess the market potential of the Wells Fargo Tower and D.R. Horton Tower, leading to a possible sale,” Johnny Campbell, president and CEO of Sundance Square, said in a prepared statement. “The business climate in Sundance Square and downtown Fort Worth has been very strong and we believe this is an appropriate time to sound the market.”

Occupancy in the towers, designed by architect Paul Rudolph and built in the early 1980s, is about 96 percent, according to the company statement.

The Bass family also owns the Sundance Square retail development and in 2002 opened the 12-story Chase Building. Sundance Square is now building the 16-story Carnegie, an office tower set to open next year.

"Sundance Square has fueled the revitalization of downtown Fort Worth for the past three decades," Ed Bass said in the statement. "While Class-A office space has played and will continue to play an important role in our mixed-use urban environment, the ownership of these two towers should have little influence on our ongoing efforts and success."

[GuerillaBlack]

Is Fort Worth a suburb?

[Geaux Tigers]

Is Fort Worth a suburb?

Depends on who you ask. Seeing as how this is the "Dallas Fort Worth Urban Forum", I'd say no.

[vman]

I've always found those buildings horribly unattractive. Well, really all four of DTFW's skyscrapers are awful IMO.

[rantanamo]

Regional if you were referring to what section this is posted in. Probably should be in the Urban Development section.

[tamtagon]

...moved to the Urban development forum.

[texastrill]

I've always found those buildings horribly unattractive. Well, really all four of DTFW's skyscrapers are awful IMO.
I count five tall buildings in DTFW.Can you tell me which one is the odd man out?And can you tell me why its not a skyscraper?

[vman]

I count five tall buildings in DTFW.Can you tell me which one is the odd man out?And can you tell me why its not a skyscraper?
I stand corrected, five "skyscrapers' ' in DTFW. I assuming your're talking about the The Tower renovation.

[texastrill]

I stand corrected, five "skyscrapers' ' in DTFW. I assuming your're talking about the The Tower renovation.
I just wanted to know which one YOU thought wasn't a "skyscraper".Is The Tower not considered because of the conversion / renovation?

What do you think of the Omni design(if youve seen a rendering),btw?

[vman]

I just wanted to know which one YOU thought wasn't a "skyscraper".Is The Tower not considered because of the conversion / renovation?

What do you think of the Omni design(if youve seen a rendering),btw?

I guess I still consider it a skysraper, just a residential one.

In regards to the Omni, I think I mentioned on the thread it was the best building designed in FW in a long time. By that I meant, since FW attempted the skyscraper. It (the Omni) really is a good looking building.

Since you have to look at them everyday, what do you think of the City Center towers, btw.

[texastrill]

I guess I still consider it a skysraper, just a residential one.

In regards to the Omni, I think I mentioned on the thread it was the best building designed in FW in a long time. By that I meant, since FW attempted the skyscraper. It (the Omni) really is a good looking building.

Since you have to look at them everyday, what do you think of the City Center towers, btw.

Not a real big fan of them,but I would rather have to look at them everyday,than have a big empty spot in our already challenged skyline.

[vman]

Not a real big fan of them,but I would rather have to look at them everyday,than have a big empty spot in our already challenged skyline.
True. From old pictures I've seen, FW's skyline looked better before the tall buildings were added.

[St-T]

Is Fort Worth a suburb?


Yes, according the the US Census. :smokecld:

[RobertB]

Is Fort Worth a suburb?
Yes... of Arlington. :)

[GuerillaBlack]

I was just asking that because this topic was in the suburban/regional development section. It has since been moved.

[Haretip]

What is the break-off point between high-rise and skyscraper? The Pier One building (at 324 feet/20 stories) is my current favorite modern DTFW building, but if it is not considered a skyscraper I will have to take The Tower with its modifications and airport control tower cap as runner up.

The two City Centers as well as Carter+Burgess are failry uninspired steel and glass 70s/80s, not unlike BA Plaza in Dallas. The Burnett Plaza gets a "what were they thinking" response from me, but the lower rise art deco buildings are superb.

[4th Generation]

Is Fort Worth a suburb?

Heck no. Ft Worth is its own large city, top 20 in the nation. But your town, Arlington, is a suburb of Fort Worth, and a very large 'burb at that.

[Tnekster]

Heck no. Ft Worth is its own large city, top 20 in the nation. But your town, Arlington, is a suburb of Fort Worth, and a very large 'burb at that.

Based on the flow of traffic coming out of Arlington each morning and back each evening I would suggest that Arlington is even more a suburb of Dallas.

[mrpipeline]

Yes... of Arlington. :)

haha, thats hilarious. not true, but funny anyways.

[aceplace]

Based on the flow of traffic coming out of Arlington each morning and back each evening I would suggest that Arlington is even more a suburb of Dallas.All of Tarrant county is a suburb of Dallas county, based upon commute patterns from the 2000 census.

[gc]

Ladies and gentlemen...this thread is about a signature building for sale in Fort Worth...not which city is a suburb and not. Please keep on track.

[dfwcre8tive]

Monday, January 7, 2008
AMC Sundance 11 to be converted into conference center
By Pegasus News wire
http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2008/jan/07/amc-sundance-11-be-converted-conference-center/

FORT WORTH — Norris Conference Centers and Sundance Square have finalized a deal that will bring the conference facilities to downtown Fort Worth in the location occupied by AMC Sundance 11 on Houston Street. AMC Entertainment Inc. will continue to operate in Sundance Square, consolidating its operations into AMC Palace 9 on East 3rd Street.

...

[aygriffith]

Monday, January 7, 2008
AMC Sundance 11 to be converted into conference center
By Pegasus News wire
http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2008/jan/07/amc-sundance-11-be-converted-conference-center/

FORT WORTH — Norris Conference Centers and Sundance Square have finalized a deal that will bring the conference facilities to downtown Fort Worth in the location occupied by AMC Sundance 11 on Houston Street. AMC Entertainment Inc. will continue to operate in Sundance Square, consolidating its operations into AMC Palace 9 on East 3rd Street.

...

DTFW was able to sustain two theaters for quite awhile and dt dallas cant even keep one open?

[vman]

DTFW was able to sustain two theaters for quite awhile and dt dallas cant even keep one open?
DTFW for years had or has been the only real game in town. It basically had little (maybe the stockyards) competition. Dallas has several shopping, dining, and entertainment districts that DTD must compete with for customers. FW doesn't really have that problem. I lived there a while and believe me, there was no other place besides DTFW to go. That has played a huge part in DTFW's success...no areas like Uptown, Oaklawn, Knox-Henderson, Lower Greenville, Deep Ellum, or Victory. Also no retail powerhouses like Northpark, Galleria, Highland Park Village or Mockingbird Station. DTD simply has competition that DTFW doesn't have.

[aygriffith]

DTFW for years had or has been the only real game in town. It basically had little (maybe the stockyards) competition. Dallas has several shopping, dining, and entertainment districts that DTD must compete with for customers. FW doesn't really have that problem. I lived there a while and believe me, there was no other place besides DTFW to go. That has played a huge part in DTFW's success...no areas like Uptown, Oaklawn, Knox-Henderson, Lower Greenville, Deep Ellum, or Victory. Also no retail powerhouses like Northpark, Galleria, Highland Park Village or Mockingbird Station. DTD simply has competition that DTFW doesn't have.

You mean you don't consider Ridgemar Mall to be the height of luxury shopping? :dsquare:

[jefffwd]

You mean you don't consider Ridgemar Mall to be the height of luxury shopping? :dsquare:

There is no E in Ridgmar. :dsquare:

Granted, Ridgmar is not the pinnacle of luxury but there is Neiman's, macy's & Dillard's... John L. Ashe is a great store http://johnlashe.com/about-us/index.php The Rave Theatre is nice and there's always lunch at Zodiac. FW has other shopping besides Ridgmar though... Northeast and Hulen malls are a bit more "upscale" with stores like Guess, Coach, Banana, Abercrombie, Sharper Image, Body Shop, Sephora, Bailey, Banks & Biddle and Northeast does have Nordstrom. University Park Village is a great "open air" center near TCU with Pottery Barn, Williams-Sanoma, Blue Mesa, Banana etc. and Chappel Hill has James Avery, Mi Cocina, World Market & Central Market. There is also a lot of great shopping along Camp Bowie Boulevard not to mention all the new retail coming to 7th Street (Museum Place, So7 & West 7th). I know that this all pales in compasrison to "fabulous Dallas" but I am just trying to point out that there is more to shopping in FW than Stockyards Station. :2doh:

[portyhead]

DTFW for years had or has been the only real game in town. It basically had little (maybe the stockyards) competition. Dallas has several shopping, dining, and entertainment districts that DTD must compete with for customers. FW doesn't really have that problem. I lived there a while and believe me, there was no other place besides DTFW to go. That has played a huge part in DTFW's success...no areas like Uptown, Oaklawn, Knox-Henderson, Lower Greenville, Deep Ellum, or Victory. Also no retail powerhouses like Northpark, Galleria, Highland Park Village or Mockingbird Station. DTD simply has competition that DTFW doesn't have.

I agree completely with your assertion, but I feel that this is only part of the reason why DTFW has more going on than DTD as far as recreation goes. Fort Worth has made a strong conscious effort to get people down there. You can see this from the abundace of retail and entertainment to the pleasing aesthetics and lighting of downtown and the "free" parking (I just read the article on parking downtown, so that's of a whole other discussion). To me I get a feeling of coldness and desolation when I go to downtown Dallas which to me is a crying shame. On the other hand I see the potential and the beauty and how it could be 20x better than what Fort Worth is. If the city really wants a hopping and bustling downtown, they will need to pin point what downtown is lacking and go with it. I know there is a lot more residential being built and I have seen commercial, so time will only tell. Only so many people will move downtown because they have faith in an urban lifestyle. To involve the skeptical Dallas will have to show them there can be a vibrant, exciting, convenient and SAFE life downtown. *keeping my fingers crossed*

[mdg109]

I have a friend who now lives in Fort Worth, so I've been going to DTFW pretty often. I love that there's always somewhere to park. And I'm not talking about surface parking. I always park on the perimeter of downtown and on the street. I have never gotten a ticket, never been asked for change, never felt unsafe. I'm a big supporter of downtown Dallas and try to give it business as much as possible. I've gotten ridiculous parking tickets there. One for not getting back to my meter in time and another for parking at a 2 hour cab stand (as if we have so many cabs in DT Dallas). How much money does the city make in parking meters anyway? Wouldn't it be better to get rid of the meters and make money by letting people park on the street and spend their money at the restaurants and retail? What a hassle it would be if the West Village put meters out and charged to park in the parking garage, and yet that's exactly what downtown dallas does and they don't even have any activity like West Village.

[vman]

There is no E in Ridgmar. :dsquare:

Granted, Ridgmar is not the pinnacle of luxury but there is Neiman's, macy's & Dillard's... John L. Ashe is a great store http://johnlashe.com/about-us/index.php The Rave Theatre is nice and there's always lunch at Zodiac. FW has other shopping besides Ridgmar though... Northeast and Hulen malls are a bit more "upscale" with stores like Guess, Coach, Banana, Abercrombie, Sharper Image, Body Shop, Sephora, Bailey, Banks & Biddle and Northeast does have Nordstrom. University Park Village is a great "open air" center near TCU with Pottery Barn, Williams-Sanoma, Blue Mesa, Banana etc. and Chappel Hill has James Avery, Mi Cocina, World Market & Central Market. There is also a lot of great shopping along Camp Bowie Boulevard not to mention all the new retail coming to 7th Street (Museum Place, So7 & West 7th). I know that this all pales in compasrison to "fabulous Dallas" but I am just trying to point out that there is more to shopping in FW than Stockyards Station. :2doh:
Wasn't saying FW doesn't have shopping areas...and Northeast Mall is not in FW. Just not very dynamic ones and the city certainly doesn't have the retail reputation Dallas has and certainly fewer "urban" entertainment areas. I'm glad to see some new mixed use areas being built, the city has been way behind in that regard and DTFW has benefited..that's all.

[jefffwd]

Wasn't saying FW doesn't have shopping areas...and Northeast Mall is not in FW.

I know that Northeast is not technically in FW. I live in the area but it is only outside the FW city limits by a mile or two. The area I live is is very confusing... I technically live in Fort Worth and have Fort Worth police, fire etc. I pay city taxes to Fort Worth... BUT, I am in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford school district and have a Hurst zip code :cmonkey:

[aygriffith]

There is no E in Ridgmar. :dsquare:

Granted, Ridgmar is not the pinnacle of luxury but there is Neiman's, macy's & Dillard's... John L. Ashe is a great store http://johnlashe.com/about-us/index.php The Rave Theatre is nice and there's always lunch at Zodiac. FW has other shopping besides Ridgmar though... Northeast and Hulen malls are a bit more "upscale" with stores like Guess, Coach, Banana, Abercrombie, Sharper Image, Body Shop, Sephora, Bailey, Banks & Biddle and Northeast does have Nordstrom. University Park Village is a great "open air" center near TCU with Pottery Barn, Williams-Sanoma, Blue Mesa, Banana etc. and Chappel Hill has James Avery, Mi Cocina, World Market & Central Market. There is also a lot of great shopping along Camp Bowie Boulevard not to mention all the new retail coming to 7th Street (Museum Place, So7 & West 7th). I know that this all pales in compasrison to "fabulous Dallas" but I am just trying to point out that there is more to shopping in FW than Stockyards Station. :2doh:

I think Neimans knows it should have pulled out of that mall 10 years ago... That store looks as bad or worse than the Prestonwood store did before it closed. I think they were always the unnamed anchor in the yet or never to be built Circle T Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake. I guess if they hadn't waited on that they could have been the sole anchor of Southlake Towncenter. As for Northeast mall, Saks pulled out and other highend retailers aren't doing as well as expected. And if Dillards and Macy's are high class shopping, you need to stop shopping at Kohl's. But I guess thats just my elitest Dallas attitude... :not_ripe:

[vman]

I think Neimans knows it should have pulled out of that mall 10 years ago... That store looks as bad or worse than the Prestonwood store did before it closed. I think they were always the unnamed anchor in the yet or never to be built Circle T Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake. I guess if they hadn't waited on that they could have been the sole anchor of Southlake Towncenter. As for Northeast mall, Saks pulled out and other highend retailers aren't doing as well as expected. And if Dillards and Macy's are high class shopping, you need to stop shopping at Kohl's. But I guess thats just my elitest Dallas attitude... :not_ripe:
That Neiman's in FW is always dead and horribly outdated. I'm amazed it has remained opened. Also most of the upscale retail Jeff mentioned are the ones found everywhere and are all located in traditional boring malls and shopping centers. I'm not having an Dallastude in regards to FW, I just think the city has long been ignored by retailers and developers. And when something is built, it's usually mediocre and uninspired. I'm hoping these new developments change that.

[mikedsjr]

And if Dillards and Macy's are high class shopping, you need to stop shopping at Kohl's. But I guess thats just my elitest Dallas attitude... :not_ripe:

probably.

[rogramjet]

That Neiman's in FW is always dead and horribly outdated. I'm amazed it has remained opened. Also most of the upscale retail Jeff mentioned are the ones found everywhere and are all located in traditional boring malls and shopping centers. I'm not having an Dallastude in regards to FW, I just think the city has long been ignored by retailers and developers. And when something is built, it's usually mediocre and uninspired. I'm hoping these new developments change that.

Neiman’s has had a presence in Fort Worth for over 40 years. My parents (in Fort Worth) are good friends with a now retired Neiman’s executive who explained that that the Fort Worth store caters to a small in volume but very loyal and very wealthy customer base from Westover Hills, Rivercrest, and the wealthy oil patch families from West Texas who prefer to shop in Fort Worth – thus the location in the far west part of town. While I agree that the store and Ridgmar mall have probably seen better days, I’d bet that Neiman’s could do better by updating their “west side presence” in a smaller scale operation in one of the new 7th Street developments, similar to their operation in Austin’s Domain, than in the Northeast Tarrant suburbs. If the “-lake” folks can’t support a Saks (now closed at NE Mall) then why would that cadre of $200K millionaires be able to support a Neimans? It’s also probably not insignificant that Neiman Marcus is owned by TPG, a private equity firm based in Fort Worth.

[vman]

It’s also probably not insignificant that Neiman Marcus is owned by TPG, a private equity firm based in Fort Worth.
Then that FW company should have some pride and fix up that dingy store. It's a shame that such an upscale store should look like that. And woudn't those rich folks from FW and west Texas that shop at FW's NM rather just drive the extra time to Dallas and have more than one luxury retailer to spend their money? A shopping experience at the NM in Northpark is no comparison to shopping at Ridgmar and the Walmarts, Dollar Stores and Ross Dress for Lesses that surround it.

[tamtagon]

Is there a TRE stop close to Sundance Square?

[hanover1]

Is there a TRE stop close to Sundance Square?

The TRE stops at the Intermodal Transportation Center located at 9th and Jones. That will put you 3 blocks east and 4 blocks south of Sundance Square. About a 5-7 minute walk.

[cowboyeagle05]

So what does this mean about Sundance Square?


Chili's Grill and Bar Shuts Popular Location

Downtown Fort Worth will soon lose Main Street restaurant

A popular downtown Fort Worth eatery will soon be shutting its doors. The Chili's Grill and Bar on Main Street near Sundance Square will shut down on January 26th.

...

Picchi Pacchi across the street has been serving pizza in the same location for 15 years. The owner, Kim Tran, says in two years she won't be renewing her lease.

...


More at Link (http://www.nbcdfw.com/around_town/dining/Chilis-Grill-and-Bar-Shutting-Popular-Location.html)

[rogramjet]

Perhaps it means Sundance Square's 20th century exoskeleton is shedding to reveal a new day in that part of the Metroplex. Folks should check out the recent restaurant openings in downtown Fort Worth. Chili's and other chains don't cut it anymore...

[cowboyeagle05]

Perhaps it means Sundance Square's 20th century exoskeleton is shedding to reveal a new day in that part of the Metroplex. Folks should check out the recent restaurant openings in downtown Fort Worth. Chili's and other chains don't cut it anymore...

What about that Pizza place they mention in the article isn't that independent or is it not the right experience to fit into the Sundance Square motif anymore. I am just asking cause I've never been to Sundance Square cause i've never had a reason to go that far across the metroplex.

[Fort Worthology]

Picchi Pacchi is not really part of Sundance Square. It's just an independent Italian place (and pretty good, too - located in my favorite building in the world, the Sinclair Building). Once you get as far south as it is you're pretty well outside the boundary of Sundance Square.

[vman]

La Madeline is closing as well. Sundance Square has too many chains anyway. It was looking like Anyplace, USA. Ramjet, is right, there have been much better local places opening up in SS lately. But, still few places there ever blow me away. I do look forward to trying GRACE though.

[mrowl]

So what does this mean about Sundance Square?

It means that Brinker is doing REALLY bad. And will probably close dozens of stores this year.

[jefffwd]

It means that Brinker is doing REALLY bad. And will probably close dozens of stores this year.

Agreed. There seems to be a Chili's on every corner. The rent in Sundance Square was too much to justify staying at that location even though they usually had a wait at lunch and on weekend nights. That location, even though two stories, is rather small. i know it is "just another chain" but I wouldn't mind seeing Buffalo Wild Wings go in to either the Bennigan's or Chili's space. :cheers: I don't think this signals the end of Sundance Square... these are tough times and when restaurants close in West Village I don't hear people saying the end is near.

There are several some new restaurants in Sundance that are worth checking out... Grace and The Vault are highly recommended. Ruth's Chris recently opened and Bob's Steak & Chop House is about to open its doors inside the new Omni.

[Fort Worthology]

I agree - Sundance Square, and downtown Fort Worth as a whole, added new local places like Grace and the Vault and new big chains like Ruth's Chris and Simply Fondue. I'd also like to point out that, from what I understand, Sundance Square's restaurant sales were up for 2008.

The closing of Bennigan's (parent company implosion) and Chili's (wouldn't be surprised if that's another parent company implosion) are hardly death knells.

As far as Sundance Square goes, the Basses likely have a long-term evolution in mind for the district. Chili's, and things of that ilk, got people in when things were new, but you can bet the Basses have been slowly but surely moving the district towards new goals. The tenant mix has shifted over time and will keep doing so (and in many different ways - I've long heard rumors that one day, the Basses would like to replace AMC at the Palace with a more art-film-oriented operator). And they've got plenty of property left to build on yet - the Carnegie was the newest and is a good example of how they're expanding the district's influence. There's rumors of a grocery market in the works for Sundance Square's northeastern quadrant, as well.

[tamtagon]

Is there anything like Caravan of Dreams in/around Sundance Square anymore?

[jefffwd]

Is there anything like Caravan of Dreams in/around Sundance Square anymore?

Indeed - very much so. Scat Jazz Lounge is in the heart of SS under the Jos A Bank store. You have to enter through the alley which is pretty cool and take the elevator to the basement. Simply Fondue also opened down there recently. Here is a link to the Jazz Club. Awesaome Martini Menu!!!

http://www.scatjazzlounge.com/

[aygriffith]

Chains like Brinker are looking very closely at their corporate store count as of lately. Niche stores which have poor volume and that might not be able to cover payroll, bills and rent aren't being kept going forward. The sad reality is while that location will close (and no other closing chili's would ever make the paper), it won't be missed in the long run by a majority of brinker's customers which aren't in a downtown setting.

What this speaks poorly for is the chance of DT Dallas getting one in the near future. The closest thing we have is the Franchise store in Victory at the AAC.

[jefffwd]

Two longtime downtown Fort Worth eateries are closing their doors
By SANDRA BAKERsabaker@star-telegram.com

La Madeleine French Bakery & Cafe and Chili’s Grill & Bar, which opened locations in downtown Fort Worth within months of each other about a decade ago, are closing those locations within days of each other.

La Madeleine, 305 Main St., confirmed Tuesday that its last day will be Monday, while Chili’s, 515 Main St., is closing by Jan. 25, its landlord said.

"Our lease was up, and we took a look at the location and decided it wasn’t a financially viable location," said Stephanie Long, brand-marketing manager for La Madeleine, based in Dallas. "I know there’s a strong following at that store, and we hate to disappoint those customers."

La Madeleine is not closing any other of its 21 Dallas-Fort Worth locations, she said.

Officials at Dallas-based Brinker International, Chili’s parent company, issued a statement Tuesday saying the restaurant will close by Jan. 26.

"Brinker constantly reviews the performance of its restaurants and from time to time will make the tough decision to close a restaurant based on evaluative criteria, including but not limited solely to sales figures," the statement said. "We are very grateful to the loyal guests who have visited this location over the years."

Mark Thomas, owner of the building where Chili’s is located, said he has been told by the company that it will start clearing the space Jan. 26.

Thomas said he spoke with Chili’s officials about a week ago, informing them that they were a couple of months late in renewing their lease. The renewal period was for five years, he said.

"They called back and said they were not going to renew the lease," Thomas said. "I don’t know why they’re closing. I think they were doing fine. I know they did well during the day."

Thomas said he has already spoken with a bank, three local restaurant operations and a Dallas restaurant company interested in the location.

"I’m going to be patient, but things are moving very fast," Thomas said.

Chili’s opened in 1999, taking over a spot vacated by China Inn. La Madeleine opened in 1998. Its lease expired a year ago, but its landlord, Sundance Square, allowed it to stay and had wanted to work out a lease. Sundance officials said they have an interested party for the Main Street location.

Despite the closings, the downtown entertainment district’s 20 restaurants are on solid ground, officials said.

Sales of full-service restaurants in downtown in the second quarter of 2008, the latest period for which figures are available, were $23.5 million, 13 percent more than a year earlier, when sales were $20.8 million, according to Downtown Fort Worth Inc.

Moreover, on average, restaurants in Sundance Square are performing at better than $500 a square foot, and in November, sales at full-service restaurants increased 4.5 percent from a year earlier, Sundance said.

Piranha Killer Sushi, which opened about three years ago on Third Street, generates the highest sales per square foot of all Sundance Square restaurants, officials said.

"We believe Sundance Square’s restaurants will continue to outpace their competitors in 2009," said Johnny Campbell, Sundance Square’s president and chief executive. "We have a strong lineup of establishments with proven records. We hope 2009 will also bring one or two new concepts into the development."

Simply Fondue recently opened in Sundance Square’s Woolworth Building and Daddy Jack’s seafood restaurant, in Sundance Square since 2000, has renewed its lease.

Restaurant operators nationwide say they are having a tough time. Fewer restaurants are seeing same-store gains, and predictions are that restaurant sales this year will remain roughly flat, according to the National Restaurant Association.

Bennigan’s closed its downtown Fort Worth restaurant in July. Downtown, though, has seen the opening of some high-end restaurants in recent months, including Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Grace and Shula’s 347 Grill. Bob’s Steak & Chop House will open by month’s end in the new Omni Fort Worth hotel.

Staff writer Bob Cox contributed to this report.

[vman]

^^^^
I don't think the closings of the restaurants are any big deal, but quotes from the PR people are rarely totally truthful.