The city of Allen has officially welcomed a new 35,000-square-foot food and entertainment venue known as ‘The Hub.’
The new complex is based on the original location on Scenic Highway 30A near the city of Seaside, Florida. Since everything is bigger in Texas, the Texas version is three times the size of the Sunshine State location and will enjoy a stronger focus on food than its Florida counterpart.
Designed to accommodate folks of all ages and even pets, whether one craves ice cream or beer, this mega-complex will likely have it. Families can hunker down for a few hours and sample food from various eateries.
The new venue is located on a large plot of acreage close to Alma Road on the south side of State Highway 121. Unlike the Florida location, where space was limited, developers in Texas enjoyed ample room to expand the project.
Eventually, the venue will be surrounded by a new “super dense suburban housing” development called ‘The Farm,’ according to the director of marketing for The Hub, Greg Johnson.
While The Hub will be the first in Texas, others are eventually expected to open. Leander, north of Austin, could see a location open soon. And North Texas could eventually see a second spot, according to Johnson.
The Hub in Allen will include an eatery on the upper level called Republic, serving more upscale food, like truffle fries. While casual, it will be targeted toward an older demographic. The space will also host private parties or provide VIP seating during large performing acts.
Downstairs, patrons can enjoy two restaurants, both order-at-the-counter. Burgers with bacon, corn dogs, and peanut butter sandwiches are some of the items Crave Roadside Sliders will be cooking at the complex.
The second downstairs spot will serve barbeque, including sliced brisket sandwiches and candied pork belly bites. Known as Local Smoke, it will also specialize in brunch items, like the Hangover Helper, a baked potato stuffed with brisket, chili, macaroni and cheese, and barbeque sauce.
The Hub doesn’t stop there, either. Visitors can also enjoy soft serve with Snickers, Reese’s, and the like at the ice cream shop, SuperFreeze. According to Johnson, “You can get sugar wasted pretty quickly” at the new venue.
While the parent company of The Hub owns the entire property, unoccupied sections are expected to be rented out to new tenants. Once the project is complete, the vast development will include a pizzeria, bakery, butcher, and more.
Next year, another unrelated, though complementary, the project is set to begin construction in Allen. The Katy Trail Ice House, one of Dallas’ highest-grossing bars is expanding, opening a $7-$8 million beer garden within walking distance of The Hub.
Like The Hub, The Katy Trail Ice House will be dog and child-friendly while also serving alcoholic beverages for adult patrons. The location is set to become the largest of the existing chain and, reportedly, the last. “This is it,” said owner Buddy Cramer referring to his massive beer garden project.
In October, The Dallas Express reported that Austin-based High 5 Entertainment will be opening a new location at The Farm in Allen in Fall 2023.
