Downtown Denton is getting a new hangout where you can eat, drink, make art, and catch a show without ever changing barstools. The Pony, a family-owned art bar and Italian-leaning restaurant, is set to open this summer at 314 E. Hickory St., Suite 121, with the team aiming for a late August debut.
Italian Ingredients And Artisan Suppliers
The Pony’s kitchen is built around imported ingredients and careful craft, with a menu that owners say will feature an olive-oil flight from Madonna dell'Olivo, 600-day-aged prosciutto, paninis, crispy mortadella and stracciatella, plus white and red pizza options. They told The Dallas Morning News that cocktails and gelato will round things out. According to The Dallas Morning News, Madonna dell'Olivo is a small family-owned farm in southern Italy whose olive oil rarely makes it to the United States.
Art, Ceramics And Evening Programming
Food is only part of the pitch. From the storefront, the owners plan to sell ceramics, handbags, jewelry and textiles, and they intend to run a pottery bar where guests can mold and paint their own clay pieces. Community Impact describes The Pony as an art-bar and restaurant hybrid designed to stand out in Denton’s downtown scene. The Pony’s website currently lists the Hickory Street address with a “coming soon” note while construction wraps up.
Who’s Behind The Project
The Pony is a family effort. Owen Madsen will serve as executive chef, while co-owner and ceramic artist Izabella Tylen will act as creative director. Dorian Marsh will take the lead on marketing and entertainment programming. Co-owner and painter Jessica Madsen told The Dallas Morning News, “I want it to feel like you are in my house and I’m feeding you, and we are fellowshipping together.” The Dallas Morning News also reports that local collaborators including Ivan's Cakes & Treats will provide cheesecakes and that gelato will be made daily by Denton-based Two Gentlemen of Verona.
What It Means For Denton
The Pony is joining a wave of new downtown spots that cater to Denton’s college crowd and long-running music scene, with the potential to stack even more evening programming around the square. Community Impact noted that the concept is moving into the former Vinyl Lounge space and is meant to pull art and nightlife under the same roof. The Pony’s site is expected to be the go-to place for the official opening announcement, event listings, and weekly programming updates as the final build-out comes together.
