As Dallas’ Henderson Avenue experiences a major transformation, one neighborhood staple is evolving to keep pace with the area’s rising prominence. Sfuzzi, a popular pizza and wine bar, closed its doors in February 2025 and will reopen in May 2025 as Hendy’s, an American restaurant. The new name reflects the establishment’s location on Henderson Avenue, an area now being branded as “Henderson East” by local developer Tristan Simon.
Simon, who first made Henderson Avenue a dining hotspot in Dallas in 2004, is now expanding further east with an ambitious development. The project includes 10 architecturally distinct buildings with landscaped walkways and public spaces, set for completion by fall 2026. This development, purchased by a New York real estate trust for just over $85 million, is expected to further elevate the area’s appeal as a dining and retail destination.
The owners of Sfuzzi, who also operate popular spots like The Whippersnapper and High Fives in the area, are ready for the change. Their three venues surround Simon’s development, and they anticipate the increased foot traffic generated by Henderson East’s revitalization will benefit their businesses.
Brandon Hays, co-owner of Sfuzzi and the forthcoming Hendy’s, explained that the transition was timely. “It makes Henderson a viable sister to Knox,” Hays said, referencing the trendy retail and restaurant district between North Central Expressway and the Katy Trail. He draws parallels between the development of Henderson East and the rapid growth seen on the east side of Austin, noting the influx of new eateries like Local Public Eatery, Lawnie’s, The Charlotte, and the upcoming Prince Street Pizza from New York City.
The Hendy’s space, previously known as the Capitol Pub before it closed in 2019, will undergo a redesign to incorporate more natural light and a fresh atmosphere. Hays emphasized that the new venue will bring a vibrant, welcoming energy to the neighborhood, which already boasts established restaurants like Gemma.
This marks the end of an era for Sfuzzi, a beloved Dallas restaurant that enjoyed a long run across the city in the 1980s and 1990s. Hays and his business partner Phil Schanbaum revived the brand in 2009, and again in 2022, driven by nostalgia for the iconic pizzeria.
At Hendy’s, the menu will be crafted by Dallas chef Peja Krstic, known for his Michelin-recognized restaurant Mot Hai Ba and new bistro Pillar. Krstic, who previously worked with Hays as the executive chef at Standard Pour, is consulting on the restaurant’s American-focused menu, although he is not an owner of Hendy’s. Hays, Schanbaum, Cote Bona, and Chris Carpenter are the official partners behind the new venture.
The bar at Hendy’s will feature classic cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list, which Hays describes as “concise but quality,” adding to the venue’s promise of a refined yet approachable dining experience.
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