Earl of Sandwich Eyes Dallas/Ft. Worth

IN THE NEWS: A Florida-based restaurant chain is putting out feelers that it wants to greatly expand its reach, the Denver Business Journal reports. Earl of Sandwich, founded in 2004 and based in Orlando, says it’s looking for franchisees around the United States, including Denver. Other cities on the company’s radar screen include Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, San Francisco (including Oakland and San Jose), Dallas/Ft. Worth, Seattle, Columbus, Nashville, San Diego, Cleveland, St. Louis and Sacramento. The company’s president, Michael Grodi, said the goal is to add more than 100 locations a year. A former executive at Denver-based Quiznos, Grodi was named president and CEO of the sandwich chain in January. Quiznos sued Grodi and Earl of Sandwich in federal court in Denver in April, alleging Grodi would hurt Quiznos by disclosing their trade secrets about selling sandwiches to his new employer. Grodi left Quiznos in May 2006. He has denied Quiznos’ allegations. … The Dallas Morning News‘ Bill Addison awards four stars to chef-owner Tracy Miller’s Local (2936 Elm St., Dallas), three stars to Japanese restaurant Kenichi Dallas (2400 Victory Park Lane, Dallas), and two stars to Mooyah (6400 W Plano Parkway, Plano), while Kim Pierce gives two stars to the country cooking of Bubba Jean’s (140 E Exchange Ave, Fort Worth) … Addison blogs, “Season Three of Bravo’s “Top Chef” commenced (June 13) with a win for Dallas: After being one of the bottom three in the kick-off Quick Fire challenge, Tre Wilcox of Abacus won the first round with a spice-crusted and seared ostrich dish that included abalone and heirloom tomato risotto. As host Padma Lakshmi pointed out, the two chefs who won the first rounds of Seasons One and Two went on to win the competition.” … Addison also reports that Drew Hendricks, the wine director and head sommelier at Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, has left to be in charge of the wine program at the new Charlie Palmer restaurant set to open downtown this fall. He also reports that Paul Pinnell, the well-known maitre d’ (and sometimes-sommelier) of Nana in the Hilton Anatole, has resigned from the restaurant. Word is that July 1 will be his last day. … Christopher Wynn blogs that chef Kelly Hightower’s former Dairy Queen-turned-Greek cuisine hot spot, Kavala (1417 West Davis in Oak Cliff), is packing in the patrons. guidelive.com … The Observer’s Elaine Liner reviews The Cape Grill (2704 Worthington St.). dallasobserver.com … Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Peter Piper Pizza is opening three branches in the Dallas area, with 10 more planned for Dallas by the end of 2010, Pegasusnews.com reports. … Pegasus also notes: The Texas Restaurant Association recently appointed Jamee Green as executive director of the Dallas Chapter; upscale tacqueria Urban Taco has opened at Mockingbird Station. … Fort Worth Weekly’s Jimmy Fowler reviews Hawks Creek Grill (6520 White Settlement Rd, Westworth Village, Fort Worth), while the Chow, Baby column considers taquerias. fwweekly.com … The Star-Telegram’s June Naylor considers big burritos and reviews Bob’s Steak & Chop House (1255 S. Main St., Grapevine), while Cathy Frisinger reviews The Sanford House (506 N. Center St., Arlington) and Teresa Gubbins stops by Selim’s Doner House (4816 Belt Line Road, Dallas). star-telegram.com

Compiled by Pat Embry, WhereTheLocalsEat.com