Texarkana's famous Park Place is about to return with a touch of Dallas dapperness

Texarkana lost one of its fine dining establishments earlier this year. Park Place, on Arkansas Boulevard, featured steak, seafood and a high class yet comfortable ambiance for diners who had enjoyed it for years. After it closed, Texarkanians drove by wondering when it would make its return and would it, when the time came, resemble its old self in any way.

Now, that question is about to be answered. Three men with various skill sets and backgrounds have taken ownership of the property and are in the process of getting it ready to welcome customers once again.

Tederal Jefferson, formerly of Texarkana, now in the business world of Dallas, had the idea of entering into the world of fine dining in Texarkana and brought on board two associates for their respective talents.

Jervis Williams of Dallas was brought along as a cultured and well-traveled individual who knows the world entertainment. He will be the entertainment coordinator, arranging, booking and managing one of the new features of Dapper at Park Place, that being live entertainment.

Lastly, they needed someone who knew the restaurant business intimately. Claude Moore of Texarkana, Arkansas, a graduate of Arkansas High School and a Navy veteran, found his way into the restaurant business and learned it inside and out. Now, he will be bringing his operational expertise to Dapper At Park Place.

"We are taking our tip from the fine dining scene in Dallas," Moore said. "And one of the things that make that scene stand out is the live entertainment element. We will be bringing that to the new version of Park Place."

The interior will feature the same furnishings from the old place, but there have been touches to the interior surfaces to create a brighter look. Live entertainment will include a professional piano player. And then, there is the menu.

"I came up with the new menu," Moore said. "High-end wines, liquors, lots of old favorites from the old menu. But the seafood selections will be expanded and taken up a notch. Also, we will have American Wagyu beef, a combo beef with Japanese Wagyu marbling and good American beef flavor. In addition, we will offer various down-home southern comfort plates, staples like meatloaf, pot roast, chicken fried steak and others that give you a good meal without spending much money."

The bar will also feature some tweaks.

"We are adding a daiquiri bar," he said. "Our bartenders are very experienced. One is from the previous Park Place staff and is returning. Also, our entertainment schedule will be seen on our social media, so you know who will be on each night they are featured."

The new Park Place will have a heart in the past and an eye on the future. It is an ambitious undertaking, but the new owners are ready for the challenge.

"We decided if we were going to do Park Place, we were going all the way," Moore said. "Swing for the fences or don't play. We're playing. You are invited. We have surprises coming as well. Not telling at the moment; just wait and see."

Dapper At Park Place is scheduled to open by the end of December.

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