Updated with a quote from Windmill Lounge's previous owner.
The Windmill Lounge is one of Dallas' most storied cocktail stalwarts. Opened in 2005, the bar built a reputation for serving high-quality libations in a low-key dive bar setting. In 2013, Esquire magazine named it one of the best bars in America.
Changes are imminent, however, following an announcement this week that the spot has new owners. Lisa and Tom Georgalis and the Triada Hospitality Group, which own Ivy Tavern in Dallas, have purchased the Windmill Lounge from co-founder Louise Owens. Owens opened the cocktail joint with then-husband Charlie Papaceno, who left in 2014 to start a new business, Industry Alley.
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In statements to D Magazine and the Dallas Observer, Owens said the decision to sell Windmill Lounge came after she shattered her wrist in a car wreck.
"[I]t became very apparent that trying to run the Windmill as a one-person show was not going to work anymore," she told the pubs.
"Have had a blast, met many great people, and now ready to sit on the other side of the bar for a beverage," she told GuideLive.
According to Tom Georgalis, Owens will consult with the new owners and help with training to "make sure we keep the tradition and style of drinks she's been making for the last 12 years."
Louise is "an icon in the drinks she makes, the same way the bar is itself," he said. "We want to maintain that same standard of quality and perfection with her drinks that gave that reputation to the Windmill Lounge."
So, exactly what changes are expected at Windmill Lounge?
In addition to revamped beer and wine offerings, Windmill Lounge will roll out a new food menu in the next couple months featuring pizzas, wings and salads, according to a press statement. The Georgalises will also be building a new front patio, repaving the parking lot and modernizing the kitchen in hopes of eventually offering food until 4 a.m.
"As a car dealer would say, we're going to give it a tune up, put some fresh tires on it and make sure it's back in tip-top shape," Tom said. (He also sells cars and boats.)
If you have a favorite Windmill Lounge bartender, however, they're not guaranteed to stay. Tom is bringing in general managers who will conduct interviews with the staff to "make sure they fit the mold and the qualifications for the business," he said.
Windmill Lounge is not expected to close while it undergoes these changes, so drinkers can still stop by for a cocktail during normal business hours.
Windmill Lounge is located at 5320 Maple Ave., Dallas.
