Plano’s culinary landscape saw the unexpected departure of Flamant, a European‑inspired bistro and live‑fire cocktail bar that opened its doors in June 2025 at The Boardwalk at Granite Park. The restaurant, known for its theatrical dining environment and inventive menu, closed last week without a public announcement, according to the Dallas Observer.
Concept and Design
Flamant was the latest venture from restaurateur Tanner Agar and chef Taylor Rause, a team whose previous concepts – Apothecary and Rye – earned recognition from the James Beard Foundation and the Michelin Guide. The bistro blended classic European bistro elements with a dramatic, theater‑like atmosphere. Patrons dined on plush velvet banquettes beneath a hand‑painted mural reminiscent of Picasso, while an open kitchen showcased live‑fire cooking at a striking red stone bar.
Menu Highlights
The menu reflected the same blend of tradition and creativity. Signature dishes included a savory cannoli dip, a playful twist on the Italian classic, and a plant‑based “faux gras” made from cashews that offered a cruelty‑free alternative to foie gras. The cocktail program, anchored by live‑fire techniques, further set Flamant apart from more conventional neighborhood bistros.
Team Background and Recent Changes
During Flamant’s soft opening on June 5, Agar told Local Profile, “It’s a bit different than what we did with Rye and Apothicary, but it really came together.” The venture marked Agar’s return to Collin County after a series of notable events in the region. In August 2022, a dumpster fire behind the historic downtown buildings housing Rick’s Chophouse and Rye sent a plume of smoke over the area, forcing Rye to relocate to Dallas. Agar recalled the incident as a day he “will never forget.”
Rye, which opened on Greenville Avenue in 2021, earned the Michelin Guide Texas’ Exceptional Cocktails Award in 2024 for bar manager Julian Shaffer and was listed among the guide’s recommended restaurants. Despite those accolades, Rye closed in March 2026, making way for an expansion of Agar and Rause’s sister concept, Apothecary, which now operates as a two‑room cocktail experience known as Archive and Alchemy.
Current Focus
With both Rye and Flamant shuttered, Apothecary remains the sole active venture for Agar and Rause. The Dallas cocktail destination continues to emphasize creative drinks and carefully curated hospitality experiences, underscoring the team’s ongoing commitment to the local food and beverage scene.
Impact on Plano
Flamant’s brief tenure added a distinctive European sensibility and live‑fire cooking to Plano’s dining options. While its closure is a loss for diners seeking that particular experience, the space’s striking design and menu innovations have left an imprint on the community. Local restaurateurs and patrons alike will watch closely to see how the vacant location will be repurposed, potentially opening the door for another unique concept in the future.
Original reporting: Local Profile (DFW) — read the source article.
