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F oodies will soon have a reason to celebrate when the iconic Roy Pope Grocery reopens its doors in late spring. And, they'll find many new ways to do so at the reimagined market, from small plates at the wine bar to sunny mornings on the dog-friendly patio. A 500-gallon smoker will waft out brisket goodness, and Fort Worth products will line the shelves. Guests can grab lattes at the coffee and wine bar, or try house-made frozen custard topped with fresh brandied cherries, pistachio brittle, or Texas olive oil with sea salt. Plans also include a large expansion of ready-to-eat and BY SHILO URBAN. GROUP PORTRAIT CHRIS PLAVIDAL. RISES AGAIN DREAM TEAM BRINGING HISTORIC FORT WORTH GROCERY STORE BACK TO LIFE — BUT BETTER ready-to-cook foods, plus seating for 24 inside and 16 out. They're even adding a fresh floral department. It's a total overhaul and a formidable undertaking. But the team behind the rebirth is committed to creating the bright future they envision—and they have the skills and the passion to make it happen. Things didn't look quite so bright for Roy Pope last April, when the Arlington Heights grocery and butcher shop shut down after 77 years in business. More than one tear swelled in the eyes of the Roy Pope faithful. Within weeks, however, four local entrepreneurs joined forces to purchase the landmark and remodel it as a meeting place for the modern era. Expectations are high for the new owners. Restaurateur Lou Lambert (Austin's Lamberts Downtown Barbecue, Lou's Bodega, and Jo's), who is also a chef and cookbook author, leads the endeavor with his longtime collaborator Chris Reale (Del Frisco's, Campo Smokehouse). Completing the quartet are developer Mark Harris (whose 8 Feet Development, Inc., has redeveloped vintage buildings in Camp Bowie District and Near Southside's South Main Village and repurposed warehouses in So7 District, Fort Worth) and real estate broker Rodger Chieffalo. The four partners also recently purchased another endangered landmark, Paris Coffee Shop. Bria Downey (former ROY POPE The Roy Pope gang, from left: Mark Harris, Lou Lambert, Bria Downey, Chris Reale, Rodger Chieffalso 56