Whataburger’s Dr. Pepper Shake is Now Available in DFW

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Former Alinea chef will helm Stephan Pyles’s forthcoming Fauna

Shortly after announcing his plans to majorly revamp Arts District restaurant Flora Street Cafe, chef Stephan Pyles has enlisted an alumni of Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant Alinea to helm his upscale new eatery Fauna. According to Guidelive, former Alinea chef de partie Diego Fernandez will lead the kitchen at the 16-seat-only, tasting-menu-focused restaurant. Fauna will operate inside Flora Street Cafe five nights a week, and is expected to debut in May.

Whataburger’s Dr. Pepper shake lands in DFW

Because there is no limit to the greatness of Whataburger, the Texas-based burger chain has introduced Dr. Pepper flavored milkshakes at locations in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. According to Whataburger’s website, the shake is made with “pure” Dr. Pepper syrup, intended to evoke a “small-town diner feel.” No word yet on how long the Dr. Pepper shake will be around, but expect it to be a particularly popular offering.

Restaurateur Shannon Wynne opposes ‘beer-to-go’ bills

As steam picks up for legislation that would allow craft breweries to sell their own beer, restaurateur Shannon Wynne penned a lengthy op-ed explaining why he’s opposed to the proposed changes. [The legislation] would allow mega-breweries like Anheuser-Busch or MillerCoors to gobble up any small brewery in Texas and sell major brands directly to the public at prices well below what we can in any of our restaurants, putting us out of business,” Wynne wrote for the Texas Tribune. Craft brewers, of course, support the legislation.

Taco Bell tests vegetarian dishes in Dallas

Taco Bell may not exactly be known for its meat-free fare, but the chain is set to launch a new slate of vegetarian dishes in the Dallas area on April 4. According to Restaurant Dive, two new vegetarian options — a vegetarian Quesarito and vegetarian Crunchwrap Supreme — will join the line-up of dishes served by Dallas-area Taco Bells. If the vegetarian options are successful, the chain expects to debut them nationally by the end of 2019 or early 2020.