It’s a tough week for Fort Worth restaurants with a shocking number of closures in the works, including some long-standing revered institutions, some of which have already closed or are about to.
Some of the closures are due to health concerns on the part of the operators; others are due to economic struggles.
These Fort Worth restaurants are closing or about to close:
Belzoni’s Catfish Cafe Closing September 27
Longtime seafood restaurant from founder Dwight Cooley is closing. “After 31 years in the restaurant business, it’s time for me to sign off,” Cooley said in a post.
“From opening and running three restaurants – starting with Cooley’s Catfish Shack – to cooking at events like Mayfest, Main Street Arts Festival, the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, Texas and Las Vegas Motor Speedways, and the World Catfish Festival, it’s been quite a ride,” Cooley said. “Add in the adventures of our food truck, the ’52 Chevy Kitchen, and countless private events, and it’s safe to say this journey has been full.”
Cooley recently had a total knee replacement, and while recovery is going well, he said he was not yet back to the level of energy and pace that running a restaurant requires.
The restaurant is now listed for sale — “if you, or someone you know, might be interested in a turn-key restaurant opportunity, please feel free to reach out,” Cooley says. The final days of operation will be Friday-Saturday, September 26-27, for lunch only.
Campo Verde Mexican Bar & Grill Closing December 24
Mexican restaurant in Arlington famous for its over-the-top annual Christmas displays will close on December 24, 2025. According to a release, the ownership plans to reimagine the space with a fresh concept in the first quarter of 2026.
Owners shared the bittersweet news, noting that while the love for Campo Verde remains strong, the nostalgia surrounding the concept has made it increasingly difficult to reimagine or evolve.
The restaurant was a mainstay and became an annual landmark in Arlington every Christmas holiday season with its 120,000 lights, 3,000 yards of colorful garland, 50 Santa Claus figures, 30 Christmas trees, and two model trains circling around the dining room. It closed in January 2025, but was revived in June when it was acquired by chef Mouhssine “Moose” Benhamacht and partner Liesl Best of Barbary West Hospitality.
They’ll close on Christmas Eve, giving fans one final opportunity to experience the holiday celebration complete with lights, trains, and Tex-Mex favorites.
The Colossal Sandwich Shop Closing September 27
Family-owned shop in Bedford known for its hefty sandwiches such as its Mid-Cities steak and cheese, is closing on September 27. Owner Jonathan “Big John” Merrill posted a notice “with the heaviest of hearts” that after 5.5 wonderful, challenging, joy-filled years, our small family-owned and operated business will be closing our doors for good.”
The closure follows a health scare that Merrill recently suffered when he went to the hospital with pneumonia and a heart infection.
“We have poured our blood, sweat, and tears into this dream — building it from the ground up, facing every hardship head-on, and doing everything we could to make it work. Unfortunately, due to ongoing health struggles, unexpected circumstances, and the immense pressure that comes with running a small business, we’ve reached the point where we can no longer continue,” they said.
They’ll be celebrating a “Grand Closing Week” from Monday, September 22 through Saturday, September 27, with a note that they’ve received their final truck delivery, so once we run out of something, it’s gone. “Let’s make this a week to remember,” their post said.
HTeaO Watauga Closed September 7
Texas-based chain that offers more than 20 flavors of tea, along with coffee, water, snacks, and other beverages closed its location in Watauga at 5936 Denton Hwy. on September 7. Franchise owners Scott and Kellie Hicks called it “bittersweet,” stating that “this decision was not made lightly, and our hearts are heavy as we say goodbye to a place that’s been filled with laughter, conversations, and countless gallons of tea shared with you, our amazing community.”
Fans noted the location could be hard to access from Denton Highway, and that many restaurants and businesses have closed in that small stretch of road.
The chain has 27 other locations in the DFW area including at least three — North Tarrant Parkway, Rufe Snow, and North Richland Hills — within a short distance. However, this location had a dedicated following for its teas and other drinks such as the fruity sweet Dreamsicle-style beverage featuring candied orange syrup, cream soda Poppi, and half and half.
Salad and Go Closed September 19
Affordable salad drive-thru chain is closing 18 locations across Dallas-Fort Worth, including seven in the Fort Worth area. In good news, seven Fort Worth-area locations will remain open. Dallas-Fort Worth got lucky: The chain closed all of its locations in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio. CEO Mike Tattersfield says the closures will allow them to focus on their Dallas and Oklahoma markets. The company also has restaurants in Phoenix, Tucson, and Las Vegas.