Katy Trail Ice House, the Dallas beer garden known for its sprawling, tree-shaded patio and long tap wall, is officially headed to Allen. City and development officials say the restaurant will anchor The Ranch mixed-use campus and is expected to break ground in 2026.
Where It Will Sit
The Ranch is a 10-acre, nature-inspired office and retail campus along S.H. 121 near Exchange Parkway, with hike-and-bike connections and on-site dining, according to The Ranch's website. Houston developer Hines has also signed on to build two office buildings next to the restaurant in a deal local reporting describes as creating a work-friendly campus for employers that want outdoor amenities, as reported by The Dallas Morning News. Project renderings show the restaurant tucked into the site's tree-filled topography with expanded patios and walkable green space.
Menu And DFW Footprint
The Katy Trail Ice House menu features burgers, salads, tacos, slow-smoked barbecue and signature cocktails, and the Uptown location advertises a 50-beer tap selection, per Katy Trail Ice House's website. The Allen outpost will be the brand's third Dallas-Fort Worth location and is being billed as its largest so far, according to the Dallas Business Journal. Developers say the larger site will allow for more smokers and a bigger outdoor seating area than the chain's Uptown spot, creating a ranch-style beer garden geared toward both families and office workers.
Timeline And What’s Next
Allen EDC president and CEO Dan Bowman has confirmed the deal and told local reporters the project "is really exciting for Allen" and is expected to break ground in 2026, per Community Impact. Officials note that the exact timeline will depend on site plans, permitting and the broader office development schedule.
The project has been in the works for several years. Early coverage in 2022 reported that owner Buddy Cramer had his eye on roughly 6 acres for the Ice House and estimated a $7–8 million build, although the schedule has shifted as the concept evolved, according to The Dallas Morning News. Industry outlets say the Ice House and the office buildings are being positioned as complementary draws, serving as a weekend destination for families and a recruitment amenity for tenants, as noted by Dallas Innovates.
