Aspen Hospitality Group Proposed Fort Worth Steakhouse
The firm submitted a zoning application to add a Japanese hibachi steakhouse to its plans for 2509 Merrick St.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Dining Out
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Aspen Hospitality Group has applied to build a new Japanese hibachi steakhouse at 2509 Merrick St. in Fort Worth. This development will sit alongside a downsized version of the company's previously announced Acquolina Italian restaurant.
Why it matters
The proposal marks a shift in the site's development strategy by replacing a planned parking area with a new dining concept. It also formalizes the developer's expansion plans in the area following the relocation of the previous tenant, Bella Italia West.
The application requests approval for a 4-foot-high fence and 19 parking spaces, with five of those spaces located in a private lot across Merrick Street. The plan involves building the hibachi venue adjacent to the downsized Acquolina Italian restaurant.
The players
Aspen Hospitality Group
This is a hospitality development firm based in Aspen, Colorado, that manages various restaurant and dining projects.
Bella Italia West
This is a local Italian dining establishment that previously occupied the 2509 Merrick St. site before relocating to Camp Bowie Blvd.
The details
Aspen Hospitality Group filed the zoning amendment to integrate the hibachi steakhouse into the property at 2509 Merrick St. This site was formerly home to Bella Italia West, which has since moved to 6115 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Timeline
October 5, 2026
Culture Shift
The transition of this site from a long-standing Italian restaurant to a multi-concept dining destination reflects a broader trend of repurposing established neighborhood footprints for modernized culinary experiences. These developments are common as hospitality groups aim to maximize the utility of urban commercial land.
Residents in the area can expect potential changes to local traffic flow and parking availability due to the proposed zoning adjustments. The project ultimately introduces new dining options to the neighborhood while replacing a vacant space originally designated for parking.
The takeaway
Property developments involving zoning amendments often require public review to ensure the new infrastructure meets neighborhood standards. Residents should monitor city planning updates to track how these changes influence local parking and commercial density.
Further reading
For more information on local restaurant developments, visit the Dining Out section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
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