By Sophie McGuire
Erik Dean dashes around Cisco Grill, answering questions and reviewing the new winter menu in his iconic restaurant in Snider Plaza in the Park Cities. Dean prepares for a busy day with his strong following of loyal and happy customers. Two of Dean's wait staff are stringing multi-colored Christmas lights around the mantle that sits in the back of the restaurant. Sitting in the dimly-lit red-patent leather booth of Cisco Grill, Dean closes his eyes, relishing the memories of watching Christmas decorations being put up for over 30 years at the restaurant, and his Christmas gift is knowing that his mom-and-pop restaurant remains in business.
With his quick wit, gift of gab, and savvy business mind, it's obvious why Dean owns this popular dining hot spot in Dallas. Cisco Grill is committed to serving great-tasting Southwestern cuisine using only the freshest ingredients in a family-friendly atmosphere. The aroma of the restaurant's signature dish, tortilla soup, fills the air with the fresh smell of garlic and chili peppers illuminating the taste buds. Dean stops to answer many questions his staff throw at him while simultaneously reviewing the winter menu. He hands his daughter and restaurant manager, Lauren Dean, a menu item change. Dean solves more problems in ten minutes than some people solve in a week. Three orders from the local chicken distributor were running behind, light bulbs were out in the kitchen and prep area, and the main chef cut his finger while prepping for the busy lunch crowd. When not in the kitchen or charming his customers, Dean oversees the day-to-day operations, manages the staff, and works to keep Cisco Grill thriving. Dean believes it's all about keeping the constant community aspect when he sees everything is changing around the restaurant.
"I have spent time getting to know our customers and built relationships over the years," says Dean.
As the customers stroll in on this rainy, cold day in Dallas, the atmosphere is warm and inviting, and Dean greets each person like they are family, standing up and giving multiple people hugs. This friendly, personalized service with consistently great food keeps customers returning. The aroma of the freshly prepared cuisine with the fragrant ingredients of Mexican, Native American, and European flavors, all come together, creating an ambiance to make it smell like you're coming home to your mom's kitchen. The smell of sauteing peppers, grilled meats, seasonings, herbs, sauces, and salsas entices the customers to order an abundance of entrees.
Dean grew up in Dallas, attending Richardson High School. After one year at Texas Tech University, he left to pursue his dream of owning his restaurant. Knowing this process would take time, Dean worked as a waiter and assistant manager for Amore, another local eatery in Snider Plaza. He purchased Cisco Grill from the restaurateur who owned Amore and Cisco Grill. With any city, succession changes the look of the community. The old buildings are being torn down and replaced by new shiny facades to emulate a more modern world. Dean feels assured that Cisco Grill will remain steady amid the chaos. With its bright yellow awning over the entrance, this small brick building stands out as a unique piece of history in Snider Plaza. Outside the entrance is a tripod with daily specials to keep customers busy reading while waiting in line for a cozy booth inside the restaurant. The colors inside reflect the Southwest style, with blues, oranges, yellows, and a vibrant red tiled wall giving an exciting sunset vibe. Memorabilia fills the restaurant walls with longhorn antlers, cowboy boots, and pewter stars, all representing the Southwest.
Dean beams when he speaks of his three daughters who grew up at Cisco Grill. They have all been a part of the restaurant's business, two of which are keeping the family legacy alive for this family-owned business. Over the years, customers have grown up with the girls, attending their birthday parties and weddings. Dean laughs when he recalls how Wednesday is the most popular day of the week. Dean has Wednesday off, and his daughters are the only ones running the restaurant. Customers flock in to grab dinner to go, dine in, or catch up with the girls.
Long-time customer Jacky Spears, who has her plaque on a booth in the restaurant, eats there four nights weekly.
Spears comments, "I love Cisco Grill because Eric, Lauren, and Dani make you feel like family, plus the food is mighty good too."
Spears is a regular customer and has been since opening day. She remains loyal over the years because of the delicious food and the hospitality of the owners and staff.
"Our restaurant won't be going anywhere because of loyal customers like Jacky." Dean says as his brown eyes light up in gratitude.
Dean admits that Cisco Grill will remain constant in the changing world. The exterior will remain unique, and the interior will always remain a place that feels like home with its welcoming atmosphere, warm colors, and delicious smells and tastes.
"Cisco Grill has been life-changing for our family," Lauren Dean says. "I am so grateful for the memories, customer relationships, and opportunities over the years."
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