Beacon Cafe 287, the far-north Fort Worth diner beloved for its under-$20 weekend brunch, says its landlord has ordered it to clear out of the Business Highway 287 building within 45 days. Chef-owner Christie Bingham wrote on Facebook Thursday that the restaurant has been “running on fumes” as she scrambles to lock down a new home for the family-run spot. With the notice dropping in mid-December, the cafe is now staring at a relocation right in the middle of its busiest winter service window.
According to Fort Worth Star-Telegram, the landlord formally notified the cafe that it will lose its lease early next year and gave the owners 45 days to move out. The paper reports that Bingham posted the notice on Facebook and asked customers and neighbors for tips on an affordable new space. The Star-Telegram notes the landlord was not immediately available for comment.
Local outlet CultureMap Fort Worth reports that the Facebook post drew more than 60 suggestions from readers on where the cafe might land next, with ideas ranging from Saginaw and Decatur to Haslet and Avondale. CultureMap quotes Bingham saying the business has been “pouring everything we have into keeping the doors open.” The outlet adds that community members quickly stepped up with offers of help and potential spaces after the post went live.
Local roots and low prices
Voyage Dallas profiled owner Christie Bingham and traces Beacon Cafe’s story back to a small Hicks Airfield outpost that opened in 2011, with the Business Highway 287 location joining the lineup in 2019. The restaurant has built a loyal following for its made-from-scratch breakfasts and a weekend brunch buffet that keeps traffic steady. Beacon Cafe’s website lists the 287 location’s hours as Wednesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Menu, hours and holiday tamales
According to Yahoo Style, Beacon Cafe is currently taking Christmas tamale orders for pickup: pork, chicken verde and brisket, priced at $10.99 for a half-dozen and $18.99 for a dozen. The Yahoo Style roundup points readers to the cafe’s online ordering page for pickup details. Despite the looming lease deadline, staff say the 287 dining room is still open for dine-in customers during normal hours.
Community reaction and next steps
The landlord’s 45-day timeline means the cafe could be looking at a move by the end of January, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Neighbors and longtime regulars responded to Bingham’s plea with offers of hands-on help, plus a flurry of suggested sites in nearby towns. Bingham says she will keep customers updated as she reviews leads and looks for a location that will let the cafe keep its prices in check…