Bird Café bids adieu to Sundance Square Plaza next Friday, May 22, while supplies last.
“With the shutdown caused by Covid-19, we found it impossible to operate economically and have elected to close permanently. We invite all of our loyal patrons to join us at 25% capacity or on the patio for one last hurrah before then, while our inventory lasts,” says Shannon Wynne, designer and operating partner. Wynne’s concepts have occupied the same building for the past twenty-five years.
“Seven years ago, we were approached by the Johnny Campbell on behalf of the Bass family to create a fine dining concept for the historic Land and Title Building, one of the most important and best surviving Victorian commercial buildings in Fort Worth. Formerly housing our Flying Saucer Draught Emporium concept, the space would be available as The Saucer moved to the old 8.0 Bar space on East Third. Sundance was about to build the Plaza on the Square and the Land Title Building would be preserved to house a new exciting project. The 1889 floor plan was a challenge to design, but is one of my favorites. Representative of the turn of the century, I wanted to merge the histories of the cattle and oil dynasties that would soon burgeon in Fort Worth. I would design it to be representative of a place people might have gone to get a good meal back then, heavily male, but with female refinement.”
Wynne worked closely with the Gentling’s sister, Suzanne, to curate the installation of the Birds of Texas portfolio by twins Stuart and Scott Gentling, whom were inspired by famed artist John James Audubon. Wynne also designed the tile work which adorns the walls and floors to maintain the period influences.
“We have worked hard to keep the Bird evolving this past seven years, but this pandemic is more than a chef driven concept like ours could handle. We will miss the building a lot and thank Johnny Campbell, Bill Boecker and Ed Bass for giving us a shot.”
For reservations go to www.birdinthe.net or call 817-332-2473. Curbside pick-up and at home meal preparation kits are also available. Bird Café is located at 155 E. 4th and Commerce. Current hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday 4pm-10pm and Saturday – Sunday 11am-10pm, while inventory lasts.