After some serious remodeling, the new French Quarter will open Saturday in the old Dairy Queen location, which closed about one year ago. Co-owner Dan Curtis - who is also mayor of Troy - said they were not able to recreate the authentic look of exposed rafters and hardwood floors of the original, unique building that looks like a Texas roadhouse.
“We won’t be able to achieve the atmosphere, but we will be able to achieve the same high quality food,” Curtis said.
Curtis bought the French Quarter from the first owner’s son, Art Coley Jr., about 5½ years ago. He said they are planning to open a third location later this year in Gatesville, and are looking into possible further expansion.
Although economic storm clouds hover above much of the nation today, Curtis said this was still a good time to expand.
“We’re not suffering like the rest of the country is. Economically, we’re almost a little bubble here that seems to be doing very well,” Curtis said. “Thanks to Temple and its employment diversity, I think that helps us tremendously. Moody is simply a satellite in a way.”
Today, about 4,000 people live in the immediate vicinity of Moody. When word got out the empty Dairy Queen would soon be home to a longtime Temple favorite, the phone at city hall started ringing.
“Everyone in town is looking forward to this French Quarter to open up,” city administrator Charleen Dowell said. “We’re thrilled.”
Other than having a new eatery in town, Moody folks are excited to have a place to go after sporting events. The French Quarter will stay open late after football games and other Bearcat sporting events.
Moody mayor Dick Van Dyke said it was important for local folks to have another hometown eatery.
“We think it’s going to be a great addition to the community,” Van Dyke said. “Everybody’s looking forward to this.”
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