Fort Worth is getting a new destination for delicious Italian cuisine, courtesy of a Colorado-based concept. Acquolina, “an informal yet elegant” restaurant straight out of Aspen, has filed papers to open a new location in the neighborhood, reports Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
Acquolina ownership has filed a zoning change application with Fort Worth for its upcoming 5139 Camp Bowie Boulevard home. The 9,020 square foot restaurant will be Acquolina’s inaugural DFW location and local foodies may be wondering what is in store. Luckily Aspen Hospitality Group founder Carlos Solorzano-Smith was kind enough to set aside some time to fill What Now Dallas in on the salient details.
“We’re very excited,” he states. “One of my partners- John Sellers-lives in Fort Worth and we’ve been looking for about 3 years. Now we have the location and we’re excited to be part of the city.”
While Colorado and Fort Worth may have many miles between them, Solorzano-Smith explains that they’re closer in values and customer base than people might think. “Aspen and Texas have a big connection,” he says. “We see so many guests from Fort Worth come into Aspen so it’s always been in our minds.”
Acquolina will be maintaining the recipe that’s made it such a success in Aspen, while introducing new Lone Star State features. Solorzano-Smith states: “We want to keep the core of it the same. It’s a trattoria-we want to keep the feeling of a neighborhood restaurant. We will make some adjustments to make it more Texas feeling. The restaurant will be about 90% of what it is here. It’s a place you can come any time of the week with your family or by yourself and have a good meal and good drink.”
While Acquolina has an extensive menu offering everything from pasta to salads to entrees like chicken parmesan, the pizza is certain to become an area favorite. Solorzano-Smith describes it, saying “Our pizza is Roman style, very thin crust, so you can eat a pizza by yourself if you want!”
Solorzano-Smith and his team are invested in making Acquolina a true part of the community when it opens early next year. He sums up the restaurant’s plans for Fort Worth succinctly but eloquently, saying: “We love to have fun. You come and the first thing you’re going to feel is the hospitality. The menu is elevated but in a way where you can easily understand it. We want it to be a home away from home-good hospitality and a great meal.”
