Dallas, TX
Dallas’ iconic Stoneleigh P is shutting down current location after 50 years
An iconic Dallas restaurant establishment is about to decamp: The Stoneleigh P, often known as The P, which has introduced an eclectic restaurant and bar expertise to Uptown Dallas since 1973, is closing down its authentic location at 2926 Maple Ave.
In keeping with a launch, the lease is up and the restaurant will relocate to a brand new tackle, nonetheless TBD. Their final day of enterprise of their present spot will likely be April 15.
Although they will not be in the identical location, the house owners vow that The P will prevail, with the nice meals, drinks, and sense of group as the unique.
They maintain it upbeat: “As The Stoneleigh P searches for its subsequent location, we hope you assist us commiserate the final 50 years of its legacy in Dallas,” they are saying.
Based by Tom Garrison, Robert Alexander, Teresa Alexander, Alan Cahil, and Richard Windburn, The P has remained in the identical location, with the identical proprietor, and with the identical values all through the a long time.
Initially a pharmacy known as the Stoneleigh Pharmacy, Garrison turned the place right into a restaurant and bar, coining it the enduring nickname, “The P.”
The P was initially a protected haven for the “anti-establishment” crowd of Dallas, catering to musicians and creatives. Nonetheless, over time, the P has welcomed an array of Dallas locals, guests, and legends.
Began by Tom Garrison, Robert Alexander, Teresa Alexander, Alan Cahil, and Richard Windburn, the Stoneleigh P utterly reworked Dallas’ Seventies restaurant and bar scene. It was a spot meant to be a hideaway in an upcoming metroplex. The Stoneleigh P was eclectic with no-frills, providing good basic meals, a full bar, and a down-to-earth environment.
All through the years, the Dallas staple has been frequented by many notable figures. President Jimmy Carter hosted a fundraiser for his presidential marketing campaign; Stanley Marcus of Neiman Marcus beloved the lentil soup; Kenny Loggins hosted his fortieth party on the restaurant and so many extra. If it wasn’t for building delaying the grand opening by two weeks, Jack Nicholson would have attended the grand opening in 1973 as effectively. On the similar time, Mariah Carey might have by no means walked into the bar, however the P did acquire her consideration after banning her iconic Christmas jingle, “All I Need for Christmas,” in 2021 and going viral. Evidently, the Stoneleigh P has caught the eye and curiosity of a wide range of people and figures from throughout the nation.
Though Dallas has advanced immensely for the reason that restaurant’s preliminary opening, the Stoneleigh P has stayed true to its core values. With a family-like workers, two of the final managers have held their positions for 38 years every. Garrison and his crew take delight of their “Don’t Uptown My P” mentality, which illustrates how the Stoneleigh P stands out from the group. Legendary occasions embrace underwear modeling competitions, danceathons, events with irrelevant themes, and a Mariah Carey-inspired Drag Present.
Since its preliminary opening, the Stoneleigh P has had quite a few victories, however it has additionally undergone a wide range of obstacles. In 1980, Tom was woke up by a cellphone name in the course of the night time from a neighbor that The P was on fireplace. He arrived on the restaurant because it was turned to ash. Fortunately, the restaurant was rebuilt in the identical location and carried on for an additional forty years.
In 2017, Tom’s daughter, Laura Garrison, took over as basic supervisor. Stoneleigh P primarily runs by her veins, and he or she grew up seeing and experiencing the magic inside its 4 partitions. Following in her father’s footsteps, Laura hopes to stay as much as his legacy and additional develop their restaurant. Studying from her father, Laura continues to instill the significance of simplicity and a “don’t sweat the small stuff” mentality. “She’s already operating it higher than me,” Tom says.