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It’s been a very long year for the owners of Dallas’ Terilli’s Italian Restaurant. A four-alarm electrical fire last March 2 destroyed the Greenville Avenue landmark. A life’s work went up in smoke.
But, Terilli’s is coming back to life! Bricks are in production and construction has begun. The building will be historically accurate, recreating the exterior of the original 1911 structure. There will be new elements, too – a mezzanine level, a rooftop patio, a larger bar area and a new kitchen. “We’re leaving room for some surprises, too,” says owner Jeannie Terilli.
Even though they won’t be open, Terilli’s plans to take part in the annual Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day block party on Saturday, March 12. Food and beer will be served in tents in front of the construction site.
The Terilli family says the last year has been “very hard” and a learning experience. “We are ready to get back,” states Terilli. “The fire was a tragedy for us, but after 25 years of serving Terilli’s Tex-Italian food, we are eager to rebuild and deliver another 25 years of service to our loyal patrons.”
Insurance covered only part of the loss. To buy and personalize a brick that will be part of the Friends of Terilli’s Brick Wall, go to www.terillis.com/donations. Purchasers receive VIP seating and discounts. “I Love Greenville Avenue” T-shirts are available at Terillis.
“We’ve had more community support than we ever dreamed,” notes Terilli. “As one patron wrote on Facebook, ‘The Phoenix will rise from the ashes.'” Since all photos in the restaurant were lost in the fire, “we’re asking everyone with photos related to Terilli’s to send them,” Terilli said.
Known for its cuisine and live music over the years, Terilli’s has been praised by local media as “cozy and even mildly glamorous…a perpetually hip special harbor-and the food is outstanding.”
Join Terilli’s Facebook Fan Page to keep up with the progress of their reopening.
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