Culture Map Dallas
By: Teresa Gubbin
Famed New York pizzeria Grimaldi’s is back in expansion mode with a new branch opening at the Hillside Village shopping center, a mixed-use open-air concept in Cedar Hill (formerly known as Uptown Village at Cedar Hill). The new pizzeria will open in summer 2016.
Famous for its coal-fired oven and old-school red-and-white checkered tablecloths, Grimaldi’s will take over the 6,500-square-foot location on the north side of the property that was formerly Patrizio’s, which closed in 2012.
This will be the sixth location in the DFW area, following branches in the West Village, Park Lane, Allen, Grapevine, and the city of Highland Village (northwest of Lewisville).
Terry Montesi, CEO of Trademark Property Co., says that they wooed Grimaldi’s specifically.
“Our leasing efforts to pursue Grimaldi’s were a direct result of community feedback, and we believe that their support played a major role in securing the lease,” he says. “We’re pleased to deliver a restaurant that the community wanted.”
Grimaldi’s was persuaded by a campaign implemented by Hillside Village that included more than 220 signatures on an on-property banner, as well as a social media campaign, #HVWantsGrimaldis, that drew more than 600 comments and videos.
Hillside Village recently completed a multimillion-dollar property renovation that includes a new children’s play area, a Village Green promenade extension with bocce ball court, new signage, shaded seating areas, upgraded landscaping, lighting, public art, and facade renovations.
In April 2015, Trademark rebranded the property Hillside Village to reflect the renovation’s garden-like look and feel and pay homage to the area’s topography.
“Combined with the newly completed property renovations and recent store openings, Hillside Village truly is taking shape and becoming an even better reflection of the surrounding community,” says property manager Maranda Auzenne.