Merrick Makeover
Three high-end dining destinations are coming to Camp Bowie District
Camp Bowie District shares the characteristics of the welcoming charisma of a small town with the core economic, demographic, and cultural hallmarks of a big city. Home to distinct boutique businesses with owners who know you by name and welcome you through the front door with open arms, the District is a hub of westside cham and southern hospitality. West of Montgomery St. to Interstate 30, Camp Bowie District is identifiable by a series of walkable nodes populated by local lifestyle destinations all connected by an iconic brick-lined road.
Over the years, the Bricks corridor of Camp Bowie District has seen changes that elevated the local visibility, such as the emergence of boutique hotel Bowie House and popular dining destination Hudson House, the migration of businesses over the years including Keeping Up with the Joneses, Olivella’s Pizza & Wine, Wright at Home, and soon to be opened Babies on the Boulevard, and the familiarity of storied businesses like John L. Ashe, Bluebonnet Bakery, Tokyo Café and Kincaid’s Hamburgers.
But what else is happening in this corridor? The growth of Fort Worth has brought a need for change and a desire to preserve what makes places like Camp Bowie District unique destinations untouched by time. The voices of Camp Bowie District have been clear – “we want more dining options on the boulevard.” A corridor heavily populated by retail, Camp Bowie District has craved new flavors to blend in with the boulevard’s footprints and not only add to the blueprint but integrate with the hometown culture that has spanned more than a century.
At the intersection of Merrick St. and Camp Bowie Blvd, two hospitality groups have heard these voices and are bringing their visions that will strengthen the high-end dining scene on the Bricks while blending in with the local vibe.
5139 Camp Bowie Blvd
Lead by Colorado-based Aspen Hospitality Group, the former location of Bella Italia at the landmark corner of Merrick St. is undergoing its transformation into house Italian restaurant Acquolina, a Colorado-based concept with an in informal yet elegant, warm, and energetic space that balances a cozy neighborhood feel with an upscale setting. Using the existing footprint, this restaurant will bring an updated, upscale vibe to the busy corner of Camp Bowie Blvd.
“We were deliberate about where we planted our roots in Fort Worth, and Camp Bowie was the clear choice. It’s easy to get to, full of character, and we want to add to this historic corridor, not just occupy it,” according to Carlos Solorzano-Smith, Founder & Managing Partner of Aspen Hospitality Group
“Fort Worth shares the values we have always loved about Aspen: family, relationships, authenticity, and community. We are not here to recreate Aspen. We are here to create something genuinely Fort Worth. We’re proud to be doing it alongside John Sellers, Cody Campbell, and Bobby Patton, partners who are part of the fabric of this city.”
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2509 Merrick St
Neighboring Acquolina, AHG is spearheading a new concept for a Japanese Steakhouse that will emerge just south of the upcoming Italian restaurant. Still in early development, this hibachi-style restaurant will bring an upscale vignette of Asian culture while still blending in with the neighborhood vibe Camp Bowie District is known for.
“The Japanese concept is personal for me,” Carlos said. “I spent nearly 11 years working with Chef Nobu, and I have a deep love for Japanese culture. We’re bringing that craft to Fort Worth with a real focus on steak, something this city knows and respects. It’s for a community of well-traveled food lovers who know exactly what quality looks like.”
According to AHG, their restaurants have served many Fort Worthians visiting and living in Colorado. Their shared stories, newfound friendships and passion for their hometown is what motivated Carlos to plant new roots and become part of Camp Bowie District’s culture and traditions.
2300 Merrick St
Not unfamiliar to Camp Bowie residents, the location that housed Roy Pope grocery for just over 80 years, has turned over to Fort Worth-based Westland Hospitality Group who will transform the historic site into a new high-end restaurant slated to open in Spring 2027.
Those who are unfamiliar with WHG will certainly know their portfolio of concepts that include Camp Bowie Boulevard’s Curly’s Frozen Custard and West Side Café, JD’s Hamburgers, Pulido’s Kitchen & Cantina, Margie’s Italian Gardens and Magdalena’s Catering & Events. Their goal is not to just bring something new to Camp Bowie District, but to turn the page over into a new chapter.
Like Acquolina, the new Roy Pope concept will maintain the existing footprint while housing the true transformation indoors into a full-service restaurant. Keeping to the legacy of Roy Pope, this new concept, donned with historic images and memorabilia will also continue to serve pastries and coffee in the mornings off their scenic patio.
The company website summarizes the group’s mission: “Westland Hospitality began with a simple idea – preserve the character of Fort Worth’s most cherished dining spots while developing fresh new concepts. Guided by our mission to serve with heart and humility, we create memorable experiences by honoring tradition, enriching community, and inspiring growth. Our tagline, Make the Moment Special, captures the spirit behind every gathering we host, from a backyard burger on a sunny afternoon to an elegant, once-in-a-lifetime celebration.”
The charm of Camp Bowie District is through the doors of boutique retailers, on the plates of popular restaurant dishes, and in the homes of historic neighborhoods. Camp Bowie District Inc is excited to help guide and influence the upcoming changes to the boulevard, while keeping the small-town charm that makes this corridor a landmark in the ever-growing city of Fort Worth.