Nowitzki Restaurant, a Dirk Nowitzki-themed biergarten-style restaurant, is opening at the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport.
It is a culinary collaboration between Nowitzki, a former player and special advisor to the Dallas Mavericks, and the D&B Mitchell Group, a Dallas hospitality company known for its consulting work with dining concept businesses in non-traditional settings. They own and operate brands such as Banh Shop and the International House of Pancakes.
“This has been in the works for a few years,” said a D&B Mitchell Group spokesperson. “Our company founders Derek Missimo and Don Mitchell met Dirk and shared their idea of creating a restaurant around him and his brand. He liked the idea.”
After reaching out to local airports, DFW responded and loved the concept of a kiosk featuring a full bar with beer, wine, and snacks, inspired by such an iconic Dallas celebrity and sports personality.
“He is an ambassador for Dallas,” the D&B spokesperson said of Nowitzki.
Nowitzki has already provided inspiration for a craft beer called “The Big German,” a nod to his heritage and height, which is a Kolsch made by Rollertown Beerworks.
According to D&B, they will have The Big German on tap, as well as four to five other beers both on tap and bottled beer. Wine, mixed drinks, and selected snacks including soft pretzels and an assortment of charcuterie will round out the menu.
Nowitzki Restaurant will naturally be decked out in Nowitzki-inspired decor. The plans are to include Nowitzki-themed photos and memorabilia, as well as TVs that will play game highlight reels and other choice moments from his career.
D&B plans to also sell merchandise, such as beer steins, T-shirts, and other souvenirs and mementos.
For greater convenience, they will offer mobile ordering and shipping so that a shopper can opt to have their purchase shipped directly to their home rather than carry it on their flight.
According to a DFW Airport spokesperson, the restaurant will start serving guests in Terminal C of the DFW Airport in the summer of 2023.
