Summary: Willow Park's Parker County Ice House suddenly closed the first week of October 2023 -- along with a sister restaurant in Fort Worth. Residents and patrons speculate why.
Latest Update: Wednesday, 18 October, 2023
Parker Co. Ice House Meltdown
Willow Park's Parker County Ice House suddenly closed the first week of October 2023 -- along with a sister restaurant in Fort Worth. The only notice was a short apology and a sign on the door. While the articles below reference the noise trouble the Ice House had with Willow Park citizens and city, management had changed last year, and residents and patrons are speculating management might be the precipitant for the closing .
WP Editorial Comment
• Willow Park Civics Blog > Parker County Ice House, 22 February 2022
• Willow Park Civics > Issues > Parker County Ice House Noise
210 Willow Bend Drive Willow Park, Tx. 76008 / parkercountyicehouse.com / homepage in .pdf
• Willow Park restaurant bar closes, The Community News, 05 October 2023
The Parker County Ice House, located at 210 Willow Bend Cir. in Willow Park, has closed, a report in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram noted Tuesday.
The restaurant had been the subject of numerous noise complaints from nearby residents because of the several concerts it hosted throughout the year, particularly in the spring and summer. Owners and company officials met several times with Willow Park city leaders and came before citizens and the city council a few times to address the issue.
The complaints had died down greatly before its closure. Still, the controversy also led to the City of Willow Park adjusting its noise ordinance.
The restaurant, one of three owned by renowned Fort Worth Chef Stefon Rishel and his Trident Restaurant Group, opened in September of 2021. The report also stated that a sister Italian restaurant, Tre Mogli in Fort Worth’s South Main Village, also announced its closing via social media Monday.
• Fort Worth Italian Restaurant and Parker County Grill-Bar Shutter Their Doors, Newsbreak .com, 04 October 2023
In a surprising turn of events, two dining establishments in the Fort Worth area have closed their doors permanently. Tre Mogli, a notable Italian restaurant situated in South Main Village, announced its closure through a Facebook post on Monday. Alongside it, Parker County Ice House, located in Willow Park, has also ceased operations, as evidenced by social media photos and related commentary.
The announcement from Tre Mogli read: “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the permanent closure of Tre Mogli effective today. Our journey over the past year and a half has been memorable, and we owe immense gratitude to our dedicated patrons and exceptional employees who have been instrumental in this venture. Your unwavering support has been invaluable, and we shall fondly reminisce the cherished moments. A heartfelt thank you for your understanding and continuous support.”
In a twist, the exact same message was spotted at Parker County Ice House, with only the name of the restaurant altered. It's worth noting that this Willow Park establishment had previously faced noise complaints from nearby residents, resulting in prolonged negotiations with the city authorities. Originally starting its journey as Berry St. Ice House at 2000 W. Berry St. in Fort Worth, Parker County Ice House moved to its latest address in 2021.
On the other hand, Tre Mogli had its grand opening at 401 S. Main St., almost simultaneously with another restaurant, Wishbone & Flynt. Fortunately, Wishbone & Flynt continues its operations unhindered.
Both Tre Mogli and Parker County Ice House were part of the portfolio of the Fort Worth-based Trident Restaurant Group. Stefon Rishel, the founding chef of these establishments, confirmed that he is still associated with Wishbone & Flynt. Currently, Chef Rishel's primary attention is on the launch of a new culinary venture, Teddy Wong’s Dumplings & Wine, located at 812 W. Rosedale St.
• Berry St. Ice House Has Officially Closed, 22 July 2022, Fort Worth Magazine
• Fort Worth Restaurant Shakeup — Closings and Openings You Need to Know, Including Berry Street Ice House’s Demise, City Paper
24 July 2020
• Fort Worth Restaurant Group to Add Four New Concepts — Trident Overcomes the Coronavirus Odds With New Ice Houses, Speakeasies, City Paper, 21 July 2020
Comments