Franki's Say Relax

By Robert Wilonsky Wed., Nov. 12 2008 at 9:05 AM

Categories: Dish

Late yesterday a Friend of Unfair Park lamenting the loss of Brothers Chicken sent me an e-mail bearing potentially catastrophic news for lovers of Ćevapčići or chicken paprikash: Franki's Little Europe in Casa Linda Plaza is closed. Another Friend confirmed last night that there was indeed a note on the door thanking those who "have ardently supported us over the years."

But only a few hours later, things are looking up, as evidenced by the missive we discovered taped to the door, oh, 15 minutes ago: The beloved East Dallas eatery is reopening after all. Dunno when ("VERY SOON!!!"), but inside the tables are still set -- could be open tonight, for all we know. Calls to the restaurant and owner Jeffrey Batt's home have gone unanswered since yesterday, so we'll go with the note for now. Alas, "turbulent times" indeed. --Robert Wilonsky

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I have always said,"There are two kinds of resturants in Dallas, those that are broke and those that are going broke". No matter how good you are you must change your concept like the wind.The other factor is, location, location, location. Two Brothers and Henderson Chicken,the previous fast food place at the same location, never had the parking for the volumn needed to survive. They both had some of the best fried chicken in Dallas.
Maybe it's the memories from childhood, but I hate the thought of Franki's going anywhere. Their red cabbage was divine...and that cevapcici. That place made me feel like I could sit down at a table with my grandfather again.
Neither Franki's or Cafe Lago will land on my Little Forest Hills-area favorites list either. Both have/had average to decent food, but I've experienced lackluster service at both of them so I've stopped going back. There are some bright spots in the area though. Bonnie Ruth's across the street has a smaller menu, but good lunch and dinner. Also, Another Byte, at the corner of Ocalla and San Benito, is a great addition to the area. It has good food, attentive service and a charming atmosphere.
What does " I took my wife there once" mean? If it's not in the past 2 years, then it's not under the current ownership, which is good. The construction in that area is killing everybody, too.
Actually, I always liked Franki's escecially when Franki was running it. I haven't eaten there in a year or so though. I like Cafe Lago for a less fancy meal, run by Franki's ex: Gabriela Pataro. Very nice.
Michael O'Neill says: I took my wife there once. Based on that experience I'm not so sure this has anything whatsoever to do with the general "turbulent" economy... ******* Yeah, us too. I'm afraid the Knottyfamily did not put Franki's on the top of our favorite restaurants list. I still hate to see it closed, though. It's sort of a shame to have nearby neighbor Fat Daddy's going great guns and something so unique struggling. I like Fat Daddy's a lot, but there are burger joints all over the place. Not so many Mitteleuropa joints.
I took my wife there once. Based on that experience I'm not so sure this has anything whatsoever to do with the general "turbulent" economy...
Ahhhhhhh yes. It wasn't but 3 months ago that some people were saying the Recession was all BS.