J. Alexander’s opens first DFW location in Plano Jan. 26

J. Alexander’s opened its first Dallas–Fort Worth location in west Plano, marking the brand’s 39th restaurant systemwide and introducing an upscale-casual, wood-grill concept to Collin County diners. The new restaurant sits at 3980 Dallas Parkway, a ground-up build near the Dallas North Tollway and the Cinemark movie theater, and features a large U-shaped bar visible upon entry.

The chain formally opened on January 26, 2026. Accounts differ on the exact opening timeline: one report described a ribbon-cutting and champagne christening at 3:30 p.m. with guests welcomed at 4:00 p.m., while another noted the restaurant opened at 3:00 p.m. following winter weather earlier in the week. Management has emphasized training and operational consistency in the lead-up to opening.

Menu offerings lean on wood-fired steaks and elevated American fare with handcrafted cocktails and a carefully selected wine list. Specific dishes called out for the Plano menu include hand-cut steaks, Steak Maui - teriyaki-marinated Steak Maui, slow-roasted prime rib, trout almondine, seared ahi tuna, Shrimp Louie salad, Thai Kai Chicken Salad, sushi selections, deviled eggs, and shareable snacks such as the Avocado Bomb, described as hand-cut ahi tuna and crab salad with thin slices of avocado wrapped around it to resemble the whole fruit. The restaurant is also serving a new Mardi Gras Pasta and the chain’s much-praised icing-topped carrot cake. Examples in the bar program include a spicy margarita, Kentucky old fashioned, and lemon drop mojito.

Staffing and training were a major focus ahead of opening. Employees from 23 J. Alexander’s restaurants across the country spent more than a week in Collin County training local staff, and Tzompanakis is directing training for 30 chefs at the Plano location. Tzompanakis said, “Everything another restaurant doesn’t want to do, we do.” Flannigan Clifford, regional director of operations, noted the milestone for the brand: “It’s been a long time coming for us to get to Dallas.”

J. Alexander’s became part of SPB Hospitality after a 2021 acquisition; SPB operates other national brands and is pushing further into Texas. G.J. Hart, CEO of SPB Hospitality, said, “Bringing J. Alexander’s to the Dallas-Fort Worth area is a meaningful step in our continued growth and reflects our confidence in the state.” He added, “Plano allows us to establish a strong foundation in North Texas, and we're already looking ahead to expanding our presence with a second location in Prosper later this year. These communities are integral to our strategy as we continue to build momentum across the region.”

As part of the Plano introduction, J. Alexander’s announced a donation to the Children’s Advocacy Center of Collin County. Erica Stanley, chief advancement officer for the nonprofit, said, “J. Alexander’s support ensures children and families can access resources and protection during some of the most difficult moments they face. We’re deeply grateful for the generosity that allows our work to continue and strengthens the services available to those who rely on them.”

Practical details for locals: the restaurant’s reported hours are Monday through Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with reservations available through the restaurant’s website. For Collin County diners, the opening expands the Tollway dining corridor, adds new employment opportunities, and signals more North Texas growth to come with a planned Prosper location later in 2026.