Courtesy of Paris Coffee Shop
Paris Coffee Shop has been a staple in the Near Southside since 1926.
It'll be a few months before locals can once again partake in Paris Coffee Shop's famous pies and homestyle dishes — that's because the 95-year-old landmark has closed as it prepares for renovations starting Oct. 1.
Paris Coffee Shop is expected to reopen in early 2022, according to a news release posted to the Magnolia Avenue eatery's Facebook page. Heading the project are the same folks behind the renovation of Roy Pope Grocery — longtime restaurateur Lou Lambert, developer Mark Harris, and Roy Pope owner-operator Chris Reale, who purchased the shop from owner Mike Smith last spring.
According to Lambert, the renovated Paris will take inspiration from the restaurant's original location at Hemphill Street, where it operated from 1926 to 1974 before moving to its current spot on Magnolia.
“We’ve been studying early photographs and plans in order to reproduce the original look and feel of the place,” Lambert said in a statement. “It will be the same Paris everyone loves, just spruced up.”
Much of the space's layout will remain the same. The pie case and service counter will remain on the east interior wall, and booth seating will also stay in place. But regulars will see new wood detailing on the restaurant's exterior; cosmetic updates in the dining room, restrooms, and storage areas; as well as the addition of a private dining room and meeting room. The renovation will bring improved kitchen equipment as well.
Paris will utilize the same architectural designer who helped with the revamp of Roy Pope — Fort Worth native Jack Sanders of Design Build Adventure. Fort Worth artist Sarah Ayala will also design signage and a logo that harkens back Paris' early years in the 1930s.
As for the menu, favorites like bacon-and-egg-plates, waffles, biscuits and gravy, and chicken-fried steaks will remain; but guests should also expect expanded offerings like a Mexican-inspired eggs Benedict, brisket hash, and breakfast sandwiches. Alcoholic beverages like mimosas, French 75, and Bloody Marys will also be available to pair with breakfast and brunch.
“We’re keeping the favorites while also making the menu relevant to the way people eat today," Reale said. “Our background in food means we’re putting more of a culinary eye on some classic dishes.”
