Bonnell’s seafood restaurant closing in West 7th, moving to downtown Fort Worth

August 1,2016

by: Rick Press

Chef Jon Bonnell’s upscale seafood restaurant Waters will close this month in the West 7th development, and begin the process of moving to a space in downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square.

Waters is expected to open its new location in the first quarter of 2017 in the space currently occupied by Mercury Chop House, at the corner of Main and 2nd Street, according to a news release.

Mercury Chop House, a fixture near the Renaissance Worthington hotel for 15 years, will close later this month, according to the release.

Waters’ lease in the “trendy West 7th” area is up in August, Bonnell said in a note to his followers, and “relocating to Sundance Square is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

But Waters is hardly the first restaurant to close along Crockett Street in the heart of the West 7th development. That area has been marked by heavy restaurant turnover.

Waters moved in three years ago after Bailey’s Prime steakhouse closed. Across the street,AF+B, a high-profile concept, closed earlier this year and Cork & Pig Tavern recently replaced it. Tillman’s Roadhouse gave way to FW Market + Table, which also closed this summer. Other Crockett Street closures have included Hacienda San Miguel and Patrizio, just to name a few.

Meanwhile, downtown Fort Worth has seen more stability and Sundance Square is thrilled to add one of Fort Worth’s favorite chefs to its roster.

“This is a wonderful time to create a new space with a well-known chef and successful concept that the community has embraced,” Johnny Campbell, President and CEO of Sundance Square, said in a statement. “Chef Bonnell is well respected and has a commitment to offering Fort Worth the best in fine seafood which is a perfect addition to Sundance Square.”

The new Waters will have about 5,000 square feet, and will occupy a space that will be completely transformed, according to Campbell.

Bonnell’s Fine Texas Cuisine, the chef’s original restaurant located in southwest Fort Worth, will remain open for lunch, dinner and private events, he said.