(McKinney, Texas—February 14, 2022) District 121, a $250 million mixed-use development located at the northeast corner of State Highway 121 and Alma Road, adjacent to Craig Ranch, has signed its first restaurants. Bob’s Steak & Chop House has taken 7,600 square feet in a stand-alone building, which will also include a cigar bar. M Crowds’ Mi Cocina concept will occupy 6,600 square feet in a standalone location that will include an upscale bar similar to its Highland Park restaurant.
“It is exciting to see the vision of District 121 coming to fruition,” said David Craig, Chairman and CEO of Craig International, whose subsidiary, District 121 Retail, LLC , is developing the project along with Craig International’s Miles Prestemon. “We are creating a unique ambiance that includes some of the most successful restaurants in the metroplex overlooking a magnificent park. It would not have happened if the City of McKinney did not share in this same vision. The City, along with the McKinney Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the McKinney Community Development Corporation (MCDC) all played significant roles in making District 121 become a reality.”
Bob Sambol, founder of Bob’s Steak & Chop House is excited about being one of the first restaurants at District 121.
“Our restaurant has become part of the community and where people have dined and celebrated all their special occasions since 1993,” said Sambol. “When it’s time to gather and celebrate you don’t say ‘Let’s go out and have some chicken.’ You go to Bob’s and have a great steak. Our District 121 location will look and feel like the original location on Lemmon Avenue and it will have the added attraction of a Cigar Lounge.”
Phase One of District 121, which will open this spring, will include Kaizen’s office building with an 800-space parking garage. The first restaurants will be opening between March and May of 2023.
“We are incredibly excited to add this 23rd Mi Cocina location to our collection of neighborhood
restaurants, as it allows us to build a space reflective of the McKinney and Craig Ranch community,” said Edgar Guevara, President and CEO of M Crowd Restaurant Group. “Guests will enjoy Mi Cocina favorites like enchiladas, fajitas and of course, the legendary Mambo Taxi in the uniquely-designed restaurant. This newest location will also feature an upscale, elevated bar on the second floor for adults to enjoy margaritas and cocktails, while overlooking the District 121 Park and Stage below.”
District 121 has also signed Common Table, a bar/eatery with a friendly neighborhood vibe and upscale Italian restaurant 400 Gradi. Common Table features a fun atmosphere with American fare, craft brews, a patio and live music. This will be 400 Gradi’s second location in Dallas. The restaurant features Neapolitan pizzas and other traditional Italian fare.
“I’ve never been part of a more successful pre-leasing activity than what I’ve witnessed in District 121,” said Thomas Glendenning, Partner with SHOP Companies, who is leasing the retail and restaurant spaces along with Landry Kemp of SHOP. “We’ve had an overwhelming response to this project and expect to announce more tenants soon.”
District 121 sits on 17.85 acres adjacent to Craig Ranch and is anchored by Kaizen Development’s
200,000 square-foot, Class A, eight-story office tower, which recently topped out. The destination retail, corporate and restaurant development also includes 520,000 square feet of office, along with other uses such as a hotel. District 121 focuses on corporate headquarters and daytime employment. No residential component is needed as there is an unprecedented 6,500 residents living within a two-block radius.
Texas Bank and Trust is the loan originator for the project.
“These first restaurant tenants have set the stage for District 121 to be the new ‘it’ place to be in DFW,”
said Michael Jones, Senior Vice President, Texas Bank and Trust. “The combination of restaurant
favorites and new eateries will give this destination an unmatched energy and liveliness once it’s
complete.”
For more information on leasing opportunities, please contact Thomas Glendenning at