TEXARKANA, Ark. - Dapper at Park Place is one of the most distinct restaurants in Texarkana in appearance alone, and it is reopening July 2 with three restaurants in one place.
Options for different tastes and price points will be available.
"First off, there is our Park Place, which was the theme of the original restaurant, that is preserved in the Park Place part," said Tederal Jefferson, one of the owners. "This is where you will have your high-end cuisine, our fine dining.
"Then, you have Dapper, which features Southern comfort food, Southern and regional favorites at family-oriented prices. And finally, there's the Blue Martini Bar and Grill, which will feature 85 flavors of daiquiris and 25 flavors of ice cream. It is decorated in a way to invoke a Harlem Renaissance/N'Orleans feel."
In addition, they have added an extended outdoor deck, which will feature outdoor dining, games and amusements, a cigar bar, a performance stage and more.
"We want to be destination dining, something unique for the region," said Jervis Williams, one of the owners. "When we first came to Texarkana, there seemed to be nothing to do here. We noticed some of the chain restaurants here packed in crowds with inexpensive daiquiris. We thought, 'We can do this better.' Anyone can offer $5 daiquiris but what if something better came along with that? We want to offer that something better."
Jefferson said the aim is for the venue to be a preeminent place in Texarkana.
"We want to be Texarkana's No. 1 happy hour and networking spot, as well as a top five-star restaurant," said Jefferson. "Fine dining, in atmosphere and experience as well as quality of food."
Featuring a sophisticated dining experience, the new ownership operated for a time until the COVID shutdown came. This gave a chance to rethink the concept, which is almost ready.
The redesign is underway, with an interior that has been radically altered in places, preserved in others.
In addition, there are new features, such as an extended outdoor deck and a stage for performers.
"We always envisioned live entertainment and we will be amping up that concept," said Jefferson. "Local artists as well as touring acts will be featured in our venue."
"We want to create something for Texarkana, an attraction that will not only give Texarkanians something unique, but will be such that people from Dallas, Hot Springs, Little Rock and Shreveport would want to visit," he said.
(Dapper at Park Place is at 2905 Arkansas Blvd., Texarkana, Arkansas.)