Starboy's Pizzeria Opens in Dallas Medical District
The new restaurant replaces Sal's Pizza and Restaurant at the Food Nation Cinco Cocinas food hall.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Mexican Food
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John Flores has opened Starboy's Pizzeria in the Food Nation Cinco Cocinas food hall on Maple Ave. The restaurant serves a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, and pasta dishes.
Why it matters
The venture is driven by the influence of the late Mico Rodriguez, who co-created the food hall, and the Mexican heritage of owner John Flores. Chef Lupe Ibarra brings 25 years of experience to the kitchen, incorporating traditional recipes into the menu.
The menu features more than 15 specialty pizza offerings, including 16-inch pies priced between $14 and $25. Customers can also choose from individual slices for $4 or opt for lunch deals and subs capped at $14.
The players
John Flores
He is the owner of Starboy's Pizzeria who was inspired by his Mexican heritage to launch the project.
Mico Rodriguez
He was a co-creator of the Food Nation Cinco Cocinas food hall who passed away in October 2026 at age 68.
Ray Quintanilla
He is one of the co-creators of the Food Nation Cinco Cocinas food hall.
Lupe Ibarra
She is a chef at the restaurant who has 25 years of culinary experience.
The details
Located at 4711 Maple Ave, the pizzeria occupies the space formerly held by Sal's Pizza and Restaurant. John Flores developed the restaurant following his time hosting karaoke at Mico's Bar, where he met the hall's founders, Ray Quintanilla and Mico Rodriguez.
Timeline
Sal's Pizza and Restaurant closed earlier this year.
Mico Rodriguez died earlier this month.
Starboy's Pizzeria is open daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
Culture Shift
The opening of Starboy's Pizzeria follows the established post-pandemic food hall growth trend in urban dining. This model allows operators like John Flores to tap into shared infrastructure, mirroring the shift toward communal dining hubs over standalone storefronts.
Residents in the Dallas Medical District can visit the new location daily from 11 am to 10 pm for lunch or dinner. With pizzas starting at $4 per slice and lunch deals capped at $12, the menu provides an accessible new dining option for the neighborhood.
The takeaway
This restaurant represents a transition from a traditional pizza space to a concept blending Italian fare with the owner's Mexican heritage. Patrons can support the new venture by visiting the stall during its daily operating hours.
Further reading
For more on the local culinary landscape, explore the Dallas Mexican Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CultureMap Dallas.
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