Al Biernat’s North Opens Oct 18

Legendary Dallas restaurateur Al Biernat has finally found a second site he deemed worthy of carrying his name.

Al Biernat’s North is only days away from opening its doors at 5251 Spring Valley Road, just east of the Dallas Tollway and north of the Galleria. The site, previously home to Del Frisco’s Steakhouse, has undergone $4 million in renovations to fulfill Biernat’s vision for the restaurant.

“I’ve wanted to open a second location for years, but I just needed to find the perfect space,” said Biernat. “When I heard this site was available, I knew we had to have it. It’s ideally situated to cater to our loyal clientele living in the northern suburbs, and it will give us a wonderful platform to serve a new group of guests that are not as familiar with our brand.”

The Spring Valley site has been undergoing extensive remodeling under the direction of Al’s wife, Jeannie Biernat, and Director of Operations Brad Fuller. The team hired a pair of leading Dallas-based firms – JonesBaker for design and Architexas as the architects – to bring their vision to life.

“We wanted to create a timeless design in keeping with the elevated dining experience our patrons have come to expect from Al Biernat’s,” said Fuller. “Thanks to the incredible team of professionals we’ve assembled, I believe this restaurant will be considered one of the most extraordinary dining spaces in the entire state.”

The new restaurant features a wide array of dramatic design elements, from the three-story atrium that casts natural light on the entry to a large, energetic bar room to the right of the main entrance. Multiple dining areas scattered throughout the restaurant offer options from intimate, elegant dining around the fireplace on the main floor to private rooms upstairs. The second level is anchored by a distinctive “Blue Bar,” which leads outside to a large, open-air terrace. The entire upstairs is perfect for private functions with seating for up to 90 guests, happy-hour gatherings and even game-day watch parties.

The design team added multiple windows on the main floor to brighten up the space, tile flooring by Exquisite Surfaces, contemporary light fixtures by Kelly Wearslter, multiple booths by Timothy Oulton and the pièce de résistance, an imposing David Yarrow photograph of a prowling lion entitled “Carnivore,” displayed behind the hostess stand.

Al Biernat’s has always been renowned for its world-class wine list, and that tradition will continue at the North Dallas location. The new restaurant will house more than 8,000 bottles in its wine cellar and throughout the premises.

The Spring Valley restaurant will be led by General Manager Eddie Althaus, who has worked with Al Biernat’s for over six years, most recently doubling the Oak Lawn restaurant’s brunch traffic. Althaus’ background includes successful stints at Chamberlain’s Steakhouse, Pappas Brothers, Mi Piaci and Salve Ristorante Italiano.

Anthony Van Camp, a graduate of Mansfield High School and the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco, will oversee the kitchens at both Al Biernat’s locations. Van Camp worked under Chef Anthony Bonbaci for 10 years at Nana and SĒR in the Hilton Anatole. Before taking the reins at Al Biernat’s original location on Oak Lawn, Van Camp ran the Stadium Club restaurant at AT&T Stadium.

“Our second location is in outstanding hands with Eddie providing extraordinary service to our guests at the front of the house and Anthony bringing his creativity and passion for cuisine you have grown to love, from the very best in prime steaks to extraordinary seafood and more,” said Fuller.

Pedro Ortiz will serve as Executive Chef at Al Biernat’s North and Miguel Cauich, who has worked for Al Biernat’s for over 19 years, will remain Executive Chef in Oak Lawn. Jamie Benge replaces Brad Fuller as General Manager at the original location. Fuller and Biernat will share their time between both restaurants going forward.

“We intend to keep our promise to our guests to be ‘More Than A Great Steakhouse,’” said Biernat. “So please consider Al Biernat’s North or Al Biernat’s Oak Lawn for your next exquisite dining experience.”

Al Biernat’s North will open for dinner only on the main floor beginning Wednesday, Oct. 18. Lunch service will commence in mid-November, which will also mark the opening of the second floor. For reservations, call 972.239.3400.