Business buzz in Far North Dallas

The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

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Alamo Drafthouse Cinema opening in Richardson Heights
The acclaimed Austin-based cinema and eatery has announced plans to open its first DFW location in the Richardson Heights Shopping Center on the southwest corner of Central and Belt Line. Alamo Drafthouse has locations in Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Winchester, Va. Known for its unique programming — new and old — Alamo has a serious no-talking or-texting policy and entertains audiences with a montage of hilarious pre-show clips instead of advertising. Menus at other locations include snacks and appetizers, pizzas, salads, wraps, pastas, burgers, sandwiches and more. Alamo Richardson, which will be opened by franchise partner Iced Tea With Lemon LLC, will have seven screens and a lounge with beer, wine, cocktails and food. Iced Tea With Lemon plans to open additional locations in DFW.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, West Belt Line at North Central

Downsize Fitness now open on Inwood and the Tollway
A new gym just opened off the Dallas North Tollway with an approach similar to that of TV’s “Biggest Loser.” Downsize Fitness offers facilities and special training for people who have more than 50 pounds to lose. Professional trainers show members how to sustain a healthy exercise routine involving free weights, the medicine ball and cardio while eating less. The team-oriented environment helps eliminate self-consciousness. Downsize Fitness expanded from its two other locations in Chicago and Las Vegas. The owner, Francis Wisniewski, started the business after losing 60 pounds himself. The gym has a special program for teens and their families called Downsize for Life, aimed at helping overweight youth. The goal is to empower 200 teens across all three cities to lose 10,000 pounds by 2015. Downsize Fitness is at Inwood and Simonton in the northwest quadrant of the Tollway and LBJ.
Downsize Fitness, 13465 Inwood

Liberty Burger to open at Keller Springs and the Tollway
Mariel Street opened her first Liberty Burger in November at Forest and Inwood and already has plans to expand to Far North Dallas. The restaurant is expected to open in the old Snookie’s spot at Keller Springs and the Dallas North Tollway in mid-July. “It will have the same skin/look and the same food items, but it will be a full-service version with waiters and waitresses,” says Street. “There will also be a more robust, full bar featuring specialty cocktails made with our house-infused spirits.” Street also is looking to expand across DFW. “We’re always on the look out,” Street says, “but we are really focusing on getting better before getting bigger. I am looking to move southward to the Lakewood area, then keep heading north into Plano and beyond. As of right now, however, there are no other locations on paper or in the works.”
Liberty Burger, 5211 Forest, 972.239.2100

More business bits

1. Pera Turkish Kitchen has opened at Preston and Summerside, specializing in authentic and contemporary Turkish cuisine.
Pera Turkish Kitchen, 17476 Preston, 972.267.4444

2. Paulette Martsolf, a North Dallas resident and fashion designer, recently launched an online jewelry boutique at accoutrer.net. Shoppers can browse the Accoutrer line and create their own designs.