According to the Statesman, Franklin Barbecue at 900 E 11th Street already hosts events with up to 75 people, but the venue will open with room for 150 people and grow to about 225 by the spring. Guests can expect Franklin’s barbecue staples like brisket, turkey, and other smoked meats, along with new sides and salads. As the kitchen develops, Franklin plans to add a smokehouse with three 1,000-gallon pits and broaden the menu into Tex-Mex, Southern, and Texicana dishes with a full bar.
Outside of rental for the typical corporate parties and weddings you’d expect from an events space, the venue plans to have tailgates and even farmers markets. Inquiries are already open at events@franklinbbq.com.
Cenote Returns, Now on East Seventh With More Hours
As promised, the widely adored Cenote is back after being forced out of its longtime home on East Cesar Chavez by redevelopment. The café has relocated to 1405 East Seventh Street, now open until 10 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with a new cocktail menu alongside its coffee, craft beer, breakfast food, and sandwiches. Founder Mary Jenkins has led the business since the death of her husband and co-founder, Cody Symington, who died of a fentanyl overdose in 2021. At the former location, Jenkins kept a N.I.C.E. Project Narcan machine in his honor, which dispensed 4,320 doses over two years, according to a press release. She has since found a new home for the dispenser at the nearby Terrazas Library at 1105 East Cesar Chavez Street — the first library in Texas to host a free Narcan vending machine.
Twin Isle Brings Caribbean Flavors to Rosewood
Janelle Romeo, the chef who ran Shirley’s Trini Cuisine food truck, has opened Twin Isle at 1401 Rosewood Avenue in the spot formerly occupied by Project Pollo. The fast-casual restaurant serves flavors from her native Trinidad and Tobago, offering roti wraps, customizable bowls, jerk chicken, oxtail sandwiches, and more Caribbean classics. For now, Twin Isle is serving a rotating selection of dishes daily, with a full menu coming soon. Check Instagram for what’s on the menu that day. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
Dining and Cooking