Dallas/Fort Worth, TX (February 7, 2025) — Acclaimed chef and entrepreneur Tim Love announced today the details and timing of his latest venture, Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails—a refined cocktail bar and croquet club set to open in Fort Worth’s River District, along the Trinity Trail, this Spring. Combining over 25 years of experience in the culinary and hospitality industry, Chef Love aims to redefine leisure and entertainment in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, creating an environment that evokes the timeless charm of an English country club without the exclusivity of private membership. The ambiance and design of Stewart’s interior bar was inspired by vintage mid-century modern aesthetics, blending sleek lines with rich wood accents and plush seating for a refined yet welcoming feel, while the outdoor space will pay homage to the rich history of croquet and Chef Love’s personal family legacy. Named after his father, Stewart Love, born in 1930, the venue evokes cherished memories of family gatherings in Cookeville, Tennessee, where Love first played croquet on his father’s farm.
Located on White Settlement (4424 White Settlement Road), the 1,100-square-foot building will undergo a full renovation, offering 28 indoor seats designed for intimate gatherings over impeccable cocktails and elevated small plates. The menu will highlight sophisticated takes on country club classics, featuring indulgent yet refined offerings such as:
Gulf Shrimp Cocktail – Plump, chilled Gulf shrimp served with a house-made classic cocktail sauce and bright lemon aioli.
Lobster Roll – Sweet, buttery lobster delicately folded with tarragon and celery, nestled in a golden toasted brioche bun.
Croque Monsieur – A Parisian classic, layered with smoked ham, nutty gruyère, and velvety mornay sauce, finished to a golden crisp on house-made tomato brioche.
Steak Frites – Exquisitely marbled wagyu skirt steak, grilled to perfection and served with crisp skinny fries and a luxurious hollandaise.
Texas Blue Crab Cake – Succulent lump crab, topped with a refreshing fennel and apple salad, drizzled with red currant vinaigrette.
Croquet Club Sandwich – A towering masterpiece of house-roasted and smoked meats, vine-ripened Gemelle tomatoes, crisp lettuce, house-made American cheese, and a silky mayo spread, all layered between triple-toasted crystal bread.
While every dish is crafted with the hallmark precision of a Chef Love concept, Stewart's is designed as a destination for social play, exquisite cocktails, and sophisticated bites—not a traditional dinner venue. The standout cocktail program will elevate the experience further, offering interactive drink presentations, bespoke libations, and signature beverages that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful.“I’m thrilled to honor my dad with this special spot. Stewart’s is more than a cocktail bar with good food—it’s a full experience,” said Chef Tim Love. “This is the place I want to be at 3 p.m., having a cocktail and a light bite before dinner, unwinding from the day. It’s a country club for the people—a place where anyone can come together and enjoy life’s simple pleasures without the usual barriers. In a world where dining is always evolving, Stewart’s offers something more: an oasis where you can relax, have fun, and share great times with friends in a setting that’s both sophisticated and laid back."
Stewart’s will off er two distinct yet cohesive experiences: indoors, an intimate setting with 28 seats, including a private dining room for up to eight; and outdoors, a 15,000-square-foot lawn designed for socializing, croquet, and special events. Inside, an atmosphere of understated luxury provides the perfect space for leisurely afternoon cocktails, after-work apéritifs, and weekend gatherings. Outdoors, the ambiance will be livelier, with room for two concurrent croquet games and plenty of space for guests to relax, even if seating is full inside. Full service will be available on the lawn, where branded crystal tumblers will allow patrons to sip and play. A removable cover will provide shade, and in keeping with croquet tradition, crisp "Croquet Whites" jackets or sweaters are encouraged, though Stewart’s will happily off er these classic attire items to any guest who needs them, reinforcing its ethos as "a country club for the people." An outdoor stage will eventually host live entertainment, ensuring the venue becomes a go-to destination for stylish social gatherings.
The location of Stewart’s is no coincidence. This new venture is situated next to two other beloved concepts developed by Chef Love—Hotel Otto, Fort Worth’s first micro-resort hotel, and Gemelle, his celebrated Italian-inspired restaurant known for its fresh pasta, pizzas, and lush outdoor garden. Gemelle also features a large green space with an entertainment stage and a pool, creating a trifecta of unique venues that together form a one-stop destination for dining, leisure, and entertainment along the Trinity River. With the opening of Stewart’s, these three properties will provide DFW residents and visitors with an unmatched experience, where refined dining meets social play in a vibrant yet relaxing setting.
Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails marks Chef Love’s deepening commitment to curating elevated hospitality experiences, seamlessly integrating exceptional food, drink, and entertainment— a timely move as the "eatertainment” market, where dining and entertainment intersect continues to see massive growth, reaching $2.83 trillion in 2023, according to Statista. This concept will be among the first public croquet clubs in Texas without a membership requirement and stands as one of the most unique destinations in the DFW metroplex, reinforcing Chef Love’s continued innovation in North Texas’ hospitality landscape. More information, including menu details, opening date, hours, and media previews, to follow.
For more information about Stewart’s or for an interview with Chef Tim Love, contact Ivy Lopez at ivy@hollandcollective.co.
ABOUT TIM LOVE
Tim Love is the chef and owner of Love Management, Inc. that includes Lonesome Dove Western Bistro (Fort Worth, Austin, Knoxville), Woodshed Smokehouse (Fort Worth), Love Shack (Fort Worth and DFW Airport), Queenie's Steakhouse (Denton, TX), White Elephant Saloon (Fort Worth), Gemelle, named after his twin daughters Ella and Anna (Fort Worth), and Atico (Fort Worth), Hotel Otto (Fort Worth), Paloma Suerte (Fort Worth), Caterina’s (Fort Worth), and Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall (Fort Worth), a 1,000-person venue with three, 20-person VIP suites plus a dedicated bar and full-service restaurant, in the Fort Worth Stockyards. In 2025, Love is set to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the iconic Lonesome Dove in the Fort Worth Historic Stockyards.
For more information about Tim Love, please visit www.cheftimlove.com and @cheftimlove
Through Love Management, Inc., Love's influence extends beyond the restaurant industry with a growing entrepreneurial footprint in both the event and entertainment spheres including a strategic alignment with music festivals like Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo, as well as holding the title of official chef for Austin City Limits and co-founder of Austin Food & Wine. Love recently announced a partnership with Live Nation, where he will debut Woodshed Smokehouse outlets at select venues, including the Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, TX.