Spork, a chef-driven roadside eatery opened last night in North Dallas. A funky place for burgers, salads, sandwiches, cocktails, shakes and malts (both boozy and virgin), Spork is a fast-casual, design-forward hangout. What started out as a daydream for chef Eric Justice (formerly of Mexican Sugar), has become a reality thanks to a band of spirited restauranteurs including James Beard award-winner chef Tim Byres, creative director Christopher Jeffers, Christopher Zielke and Karen Schultz all of Turn the Tables Hospitality and friends Sean Conner of Pie 2.14, Katherine Clapner of Dude, Sweet Chocolate, and Brad Borchardt of Expanding Palates.

Loosely inspired by the now shuttered Taylor’s Refresher in Napa Valley, Spork’s creative direction spawned from Christopher Jeffers. Jeffers is responsible for some of the city’s most unique spaces including SMOKE Plano, Chicken Scratch, The Foundry, and Bar Belmont in the Belmont Hotel.

The menu, curated and directed by Byres, includes American classics with Asian influence and allows Byres to exercise his range from fine dining to fast casual. Melding on the collaboration with Justce’s P.F. Chang’s and Pei Wei background, the menu vibe is “a message from space,” and features an unorthodox mix of fresh, fun and adaptable offerings. Signature items include bulgolgi kimchi fries, pretzel-crusted chicken tenders, and a California Korean dog. Spork will surely be known for the build-your-own burger and sandwich bar. Guests begin with a main (sirloin and brisket burger, buffalo burger, black bean & veggie burger, fresh fish, citrus-brined chicken, hot dog, grilled cheese, smoked bacon or roasted pork carnitas), and build their sandwich from 14 different cheeses and 13 house-made sauces.

The cocktail menu, curated by Sean Conner, incorporates Sonic’s iconic soda fountain and boasts an array of shakes, malts, draft cocktails, floats, and agua frescas featuring Sonic’s famous crushed ice.

Can’t wait to see this funky new addition to the Dallas dining scene come alive!