Fort Worth Stockyards Star Cafe Has Closed
The historic restaurant at 111 W. Exchange Ave. served patrons for over 90 years before shutting its doors.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Dining Out
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The Star Cafe, a Fort Worth Stockyards staple operating since the 1930s, closed permanently during the week of September 27, 2026. Chef Victor Villarreal signaled the end by turning off the restaurant's iconic neon sign.
Why it matters
The closure highlights significant economic challenges, as local restaurants grapple with rising food and labor costs. The industry is currently facing a broader nationwide decline in both dining and liquor sales.
The restaurant occupied a building constructed in 1920 and held a 90-year legacy within the Stockyards. It previously operated as a Black-eyed Pea location starting in 1979 before being purchased by Betty and Don Boles in 1980.
The players
Victor Villarreal
He is a chef who performed the final act of closing the Star Cafe by turning off the neon sign.
Drew Boatman
He is the most recent owner who purchased the restaurant in 2024.
Betty and Don Boles
This couple purchased the restaurant in 1980 and operated it for over four decades.
The details
Following a 2024 purchase by Drew Boatman, staff members confirmed the permanent closure through social media announcements. The decision follows a series of ownership transitions for the site, including the Boles family, who sold the establishment in 2022.
Timeline
The restaurant building was constructed in 1920.
The establishment first opened as Edna's Star Cafe in the 1930s.
In 1979, the site began operating as a Black-eyed Pea location.
Betty and Don Boles purchased the restaurant in 1980.
The Star Cafe officially closed its doors on September 29, 2026.
Culture Shift
The Star Cafe closure reflects a broader societal shift where historic local institutions struggle against the weight of modern economic pressures. This trend mirrors the disappearance of legacy eateries that often served as the cultural anchors for their communities.
Patrons who frequented the Stockyards for dining will need to adjust their routines as this long-standing breakfast and lunch option is no longer available. Visitors to the district should anticipate reduced seating capacity at sit-down establishments following this loss.
The takeaway
Historic businesses often find it difficult to survive the transition between multiple owners in a volatile economic climate. Diners should support their favorite local establishments to help them navigate rising operational expenses.
Further reading
For more on the local food scene, browse our Dining Out section.
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