Members-Only Champions Club Will Open in North Dallas Despite Neighbor Protests | Eater Dallas

"Set to occupy the former Three Forks space at 17776 North Dallas Parkway, Champions Club bills itself as an upscale dining-and-entertainment destination for moneyed North Dallasites, promising magic shows, karaoke nights and poker games — the latter triggering protests from the Bent Tree North Homeowners Association, which picketed the site and gathered over a thousand signatures opposing organized poker near homes, schools, churches and parks; a planned $2 million poker tournament has been postponed. Champions Club originally planned to operate 24/7 but now says it “will not operate 24/7,” and managing partner Roy Choi insists there’s been misinformation, that the club will operate under Texas law, that poker is only a small part of the experience, and that the venue is focused on dining and special events. As a full-service, members-only restaurant, executive chef Connie Trujillo will oversee a menu of traditional steakhouse fare with global influences — including pork tenderloin banh mi, grilled salmon with fire-roasted habanero sauce, and an “elevated grilled cheese” made with cave-aged white cheddar — alongside an extensive list of whiskeys, tequilas and scotches plus cocktails and wine; membership fees have not been announced and an early fall 2021 debut is planned." - Amy McCarthy