Three Shocking Closures This April

With new food and beverage establishments opening all the time, our economy can’t support them all. This month we bid farewell to artisan chocolates, as well as staples on Magnolia Avenue and in Willow Park. Here’s news of three recent closures that caught us off guard this April.

Kate Weiser Chocolates

Known for her hand-painted artisan chocolates, Kate Weiser was one of the early tenants at Fort Worth’s Shops at Clearfork. It was the chocolatier’s third location and first outside of Dallas in October of 2018. Kate Weiser announced the sad closure of all locations this April. There were four locations in all: Trinity Groves, NorthPark, Grapevine, and Clearfork.

“Kate Weiser Chocolate, opened in Trinity Groves in August 2014 and has since expanded her brand to NorthPark Center in 2016 and the Shops at Clearfork in 2018,” According to her website. “She also partners with Neiman Marcus nationwide and was on the coveted Oprah’s Favorite Things List for 2018.”

The announcement came on April 13. The Clearfork location closed on April 17. “Our business is highly seasonal, labor-intensive, and over the last few years has required a heavy financial lift to continue operating,” Weiser said.

Magnolia Wine Bar

One of the city’s standout wine bars with an epic patio space is also closing soon. Magnolia Wine Bar has served as a spot to explore the wines from bubbles to dessert wines, along with upscale shareable plates, and host parties and events. They now say they will be “pouring our last glass” on May 16.

“This space has been more than a bar; it’s been a place filled with laughter, music, and moments we’ll never forget. That’s all because of you.” In fact, Leon Bridges hosted one of the first-ever virtual concerts from their stage during the COVID shutdowns, and he signed the wall of the establishment along Magnolia Avenue.

Its longtime next-door neighbor, Heim Barbecue, closed on February 1 as well. Farewell events at Magnolia Wine Bar will lead up to the final pour on May 16.

Drake’s Yolk in Willow Park

A Willow Park go-to is now gone for good. Drake’s Yolk closed its doors in early April, announcing that a new eatery would soon take its place ― Blu Barrel Bar and Grill, by an Abilene-based restaurant group.

Drake’s Yolk served homestyle food in a relaxed atmosphere. It was considered Southern classic cuisine, from chicken-fried steaks to shrimp and grits. Located at 225 Shops Blvd, Suite 101, it has been a mainstay in the Shops at Willow Park development since 2017.

The food and beverage industry can be rough. So, especially during the summer months, don’t forget to show up and support your favorites before they are gone.