Chef DAT’s Twenty-Seven Is Struggling, Big Guys Chicken & Rice Prepares To Open + More Intel

– Ever since emerging from the underground dinners that first earned him acclaim, Chef DAT has been serving up his Louisiana-influenced cuisine at Twenty Seven in Deep Ellum. Now, it appears as if the restaurant will soon shutter. CultureMap reports that Chef DAT, a.k.a. David Anthony Temple, will close the restaurant on May 1 if he doesn’t find an “angel investor” or restaurateur to purchase his concept.

– Today’s dose of heartwarming food news: In Gun Barrel City, about 60 miles away from Dallas, a waitress at Vintoni’s Italian Restaurant got a stunning surprise when she waited on a couple who asked about her college plans. When the table left, the waitress, a high school senior, found that the couple had left her a $1,000 tip.

– Fast-casual concept The Simple Greek is eyeing Dallas as part of a major expansion of the Pittsburgh-based chain. The Chipotle-style eatery serves up gyros and salads alongside a selection of savory and sweet greek yogurts with fancy toppings. No timeline has yet been set for the chain’s DFW arrival.

– Chicken & rice may soon become one of Dallas’ hottest dishes. The arrival of The Halal Guys comes later this year, but a locally-owned concept may open its doors before the New York interlopers can arrive. The owners of Big Guys Chicken & Rice, planned for Deep Ellum, tell Eater that they’re in the final stages of finishing out their building at 2416 Elm. Expect an opening by the end of April.