Fort Worth Botanic Garden Introduces Flora House

The Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s Rock Springs Café is about to see big changes. With the help of Westland Hospitality Group, it will soon debut as Flora House. The new menu by Chef Juan Rodriguez will reimagine the beloved on-site dining destination. After a brief closure for renovations beginning around July 15 ― Flora House will reemerge like a butterfly by the fall.

Westland Hospitality is “a locally rooted, born-and-built-in-Fort Worth collection of restaurants, venues, and hospitality concepts,” according to a release. Its growing umbrella includes Magdalena’s Catering & Events, Westland Bar Co., Pulido’s Kitchen & Cantina, JD’s Hamburgers, Margie’s Italian Garden, West Side Café, Westland Gardens, and Curly’s Frozen Custard.

Westland just took the reins at Roy Pope Grocery in June, which will cease being a grocery store and become a new restaurant concept soon. As the ultra-competitive local grocery market made the model too challenging to continue ― the plan is to preserve the Roy Pope name and create a Southern Americana-style restaurant on that hallowed ground.

Now,  Westland is entering into a “landmark collaboration” with another historic Fort Worth institution ― Fort Worth Botanic Garden. Flora House will become a big draw for the community and visitors of the Garden alike.

The Vision Behind Flora House

The Garden’s Rock Springs Café space is getting more than a coat of paint. It is being transformed into a modern dining destination, with a relaxingly natural design, befitting its cherished natural settings. Renderings reveal green hues and plenty of wood detailing.

Chef Juan Rodriguez will lead the culinary vision for Flora House as well as the Garden’s exclusive catering program, for the many events and parties on site. It will serve breakfast and lunch seven days a week. But, that’s not all.

Paige Rodriguez will oversee event operations and guest experience. She tells Fort Worth Digital Diary that there are plans to add Secret Garden Supper Clubs, much like Magdalena’s popular Supper Clubs. She also says they are planning a restaurant garden (which seems like it should have had one all along), and even hosting culinary classes at Flora House.

“As we continue to grow, our mission has always remained the same, our family has always believed that food brings people together,” says Juan Rodriguez, Partner of Westland Hospitality. “Rooted in the traditions passed down by my Abuela, we still live by her favorite saying: ‘Full Bellies, Happy Hearts.'”

New Catering Partnership Elevates Events at the Garden

Events are a big deal at the garden from weddings and galas to corporate events. The vistas and backdrops are breathtaking in any season.

So, in addition to Flora House, they say, Westland Hospitality has been selected as the exclusive catering partner of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. It’s addition “further elevating the Garden’s reputation as one of Fort Worth’s premier event destinations.”

“Westland Hospitality brings an extraordinary level of passion, creativity, and community spirit to everything they do,” says Patrick Newman, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the Garden and confident that Flora House will quickly become one of Fort Worth’s most beloved dining experiences.”

Exceptional hospitality and streamlined dining and service is the goal of this exclusive catering partnership. But, it’s more than simply a business arrangement, they say. It’s “a shared commitment between two Fort Worth institutions to foster community, honor the Garden’s legacy, and shape the future of one of the city’s most treasured destinations.”

Look for Flora House to open next fall, and upgraded catering for on-site events beginning July 15.