Dallas is poised to welcome another exciting addition to its vibrant fast-casual dining scene with the upcoming launch of Flock & Fresh, a new chicken tender restaurant spearheaded by Wan Kim, the globally recognized CEO of Smoothie King. Kim, also known for his upscale Dallas establishments Nuri Steakhouse and Joa Grill, is venturing into the popular chicken category with a concept focused on quality ingredients and culinary expertise.
Flock & Fresh is slated to open its doors in late 2025 or early 2026 at the Old Town Shopping Center, located at 5500 Greenville Avenue in Dallas. This new venture aims to capitalize on the enduring popularity of chicken tenders while setting itself apart through a chef-driven approach.
The Vision of Wan Kim: A New Culinary Frontier
Wan Kim, who transformed Smoothie King into a global powerhouse after acquiring the company in 2012, is no stranger to strategic expansion. His journey began as a successful franchisee in South Korea, where he built the Smoothie King brand from the ground up before purchasing the parent company. Since relocating Smoothie King’s headquarters to the Dallas area in 2018, Kim has demonstrated a keen interest in diversifying his culinary footprint within the city. His previous ventures, Nuri Steakhouse and Joa Grill, showcase a commitment to high-quality dining experiences, ranging from upscale Asian-inspired steakhouses to Korean barbecue. With Flock & Fresh, Kim aims to bring a similar dedication to quality and thoughtful execution to the fast-casual segment, envisioning a concept that is both replicable and appealing to modern diners seeking convenient yet flavorful food.
Culinary Excellence Takes Flight with Minji Kim
At the heart of Flock & Fresh’s culinary direction is Minji Kim, a Michelin-recognized chef who serves as the restaurant’s culinary director. Having moved to Dallas in 2020, Minji Kim has already made her mark on the city’s food landscape as the culinary director for Wan Kim’s other acclaimed restaurants, Nuri Steakhouse and Joa Grill. Her involvement signifies a commitment to a elevated fast-casual experience, bringing refined culinary techniques and ingredient sourcing to the menu. Minji Kim has developed a menu that offers guests a choice between grilled or crispy chicken tenders, served as standalone tenders, within sandwiches, or atop fresh salads. This focus on a celebrated chef-driven menu is a key differentiator in the competitive fast-casual market, reflecting a broader industry trend where culinary artistry is increasingly accessible.
Flock & Fresh: The Menu and the Ambiance
The Flock & Fresh menu emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients, featuring chicken that is guaranteed to be hormone-free and antibiotic-free. Beyond the core chicken offerings, the restaurant will feature a variety of housemade sauces designed to complement the tenders, including options like curry ranch, “Flock Sauce,” Cajun sauce, and K-sauce. Salads will be enhanced with dressings such as yuzu citrus and avocado ranch. The restaurant’s design, conceptualized by Plan B Group, aims to create a modern aesthetic with a soft, feminine sensibility. The 2,600-square-foot space will include seating for 42 patrons and feature elements like a recessed facade to connect with an open-air patio, greenery, custom murals, warm tones, curved walls, and whimsical fixtures, including a banquette canopy inspired by a modern chicken coop. This thoughtful design aims to provide a welcoming and comfortable dining environment for guests.
Dallas’s Evolving Food Scene and the Rise of Chef-Driven Concepts
Flock & Fresh enters a Dallas food scene that is continuously evolving and increasingly embracing chef-driven fast-casual concepts. This trend, noted across Texas and the nation, sees acclaimed chefs translating their expertise into more accessible dining formats, meeting consumer demand for high-quality ingredients, customization, and unique flavors at a moderate price point. The popularity of chicken tender restaurants in particular has seen a resurgence, with multiple establishments drawing significant attention. By combining the established success of Wan Kim with the culinary prowess of Minji Kim, Flock & Fresh is positioned to capture a significant share of this trending market. The restaurant’s development aligns with the broader food trends in Texas that favor fresh, thoughtfully prepared meals served in inviting atmospheres, contributing to the dynamic restaurant landscape.
Anticipation Builds for Flock & Fresh
With its strategic location in Old Town Shopping Center and a clear vision for quality and flavor, Flock & Fresh is set to become a notable destination for Dallas diners. The forthcoming news of its opening marks a significant moment for Wan Kim’s expanding restaurant portfolio and further solidifies Dallas’s reputation as a hub for innovative culinary concepts.
