What in East Dallas is Going On?!

In this episode of What In East Dallas Is Going On?!, Rich and Camille sit down with Joe Groves, the owner of Ellen’s, one of the most talked-about spots in East Dallas. Known for its classic Southern comfort food and welcoming vibe, Ellen’s recently opened its doors in Casa Linda Plaza, and the neighborhood is already better for it.

But Joe is more than just a restaurant owner. He is a storyteller, a straight shooter, and someone w...

In this episode, Rich and Camille sit down with Kathleen LaValle, President and CEO of Dallas CASA, for a powerful conversation about the incredible work their team is doing to protect some of the most vulnerable kids in our community. From volunteer advocates to safe permanent homes, Dallas CASA is on the front lines of making sure every child has the chance to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment. This one hits close to ho...

In this episode of What In East Dallas Is Going On?!, Camille and Rich sit down with the one and only Jeff Swaney, entrepreneur, author, and the man behind Club Clearview, the legendary hotspot that helped define Deep Ellum’s golden era.

Jeff doesn’t just tell stories. He lived them. From booking the Red Hot Chili Peppers before they blew up, to late-night mural battles, to collaborating with Mark Cuban, Jeff takes us on a ride thro...

In this episode of What In East Dallas Is Going On?! we step into the elegant world of ballet with Nicolina Lawson, the Executive and Artistic Director of Ballet North Texas and founder of the North Texas Conservatory. Nicolina has dedicated her life to preserving the tradition of classical ballet while pushing its boundaries through innovation, education, and deep community involvement.

She shares the rich history of ballet and how...

In this East Dallas Chamber segment, the Chamber Chicks sit down with Bre Morris, Founder and CEO of Alchemy Face Bar. Bre shares how she took a foundation in makeup artistry and esthetics and turned it into a multi-location beauty brand redefining the modern spa experience.

From launching Alchemy in 2014 to expanding across Colorado and Texas, Bre brings a fresh perspective on what it means to scale with intention, lead with creati...

Camille and Rich take a field trip to one of the crown jewels of East Dallas, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Joining them is Sabina Carr, the Arboretum’s new President and CEO, who stepped into the role just over a year ago and already has big plans in motion.

Sabina shares her journey from SMU to leading botanical institutions across the country, including her historic leadership in San Antonio and Atlanta. Now back hom...

Camille and Rich hit the road to Fortunate Son in Downtown Garland and sit down with Amy Rosenthal to talk all things Willie Nelson and the 50th anniversary of Red Headed Stranger: the career-defining album recorded right there in Garland back in 1975.

The City of Garland is throwing a full weekend celebration on May 16 and 17, 2025, featuring:

🎬 A film screening and panel for Red Headed Stranger
📍 Plaza Theatre – May 16 at 7 P...

This week with The Chamber Chicks, they are talking with Ryan Holloway of Holloway Benefit Concepts, a veteran-owned independent insurance agency based in Dallas. Ryan breaks down what sets independent agencies apart, how his team creates smart benefit solutions for businesses, and why putting people first will always matter more than pushing policies.

If you’re a business owner in East Dallas or just want to understand your coverag...

You know "The Catch".  If not look it up! But do you know where the "glove" is?

In this episode of What in East Dallas is Going On?! we uncover a story that stretches from the 1954 World Series to the heart of East Dallas. It involves Willie Mays, a grandfather and a local East Dallas resident. 

Craig Liddle, golf pro at Lakewood Country Club, shares a family connection to one of baseball’s most iconic moments. An...

In this flavorful episode, Camille and Rich are on location at ONE90 Smoked Meats, a true East Dallas original that’s taken backyard passion to a whole new level. Founder Kyle St. Clair shares how a love for low-and-slow cooking turned into a full-blown craft barbecue operation that’s now shipping premium smoked meats nationwide. From brisket to duck sandwiches that left Guy Fieri speechless, we get into the grit, growth, and good ...

Kayla isn’t just another employee at a bank. She’s part of something much bigger.

What she and the team at Comerica’s HQ are doing goes way beyond banking. From offering coworking space to providing educational training for small business owners, they’re actually helping entrepreneurs in our community thrive.

This is a great example of a bank doing it right, supporting local business in real, tangible ways.

Comerica Bank is headquarte...

This episode is not about pools, kinda, but it’s really about a love story that started in Drivers Ed at Lake Highlands High School and turned into a lifelong partnership. Rich and Camille sit down with David and Michelle Reed, the husband and wife duo behind Summerhill Pools. Their story is rooted in East Dallas, built on grit, commitment, and a connection that goes way beyond business. David, also known as “Skipper,” back in the ...

In this episode Rich and Camille sit down with David Figueroa one of the brothers behind Melinda’s Hot Sauce

You’ve seen their bottles in stores across the country but what you might not know is that this national brand is now based right here in East Dallas
Even cooler some of the family behind the brand actually live in the neighborhood

David shares how he and his brother Greg went from making sauces in their kitchen ...

In this episode with the East Dallas Chamber Business Spotlight, The Chamber Chicks sit down with Ms. Maetzi: Founder & Directress or Cosmos Montessori School, a gem nestled right here on Ferguson Road. From farm-to-table meals prepared by an international chef to immersive Spanish instruction and hands-on learning with gardens and chickens, Cosmos is redefining early childhood education in East Dallas.

Rooted in the century-old...

On this episode of What In East Dallas Is Going On?!, Camille and Rich sit down with Kam Kordi to talk about Fork and Femme—a statewide movement happening on April 23 that encourages everyone to eat, drink, and spend money with woman-owned food and drink businesses.

Founded by Her Texas, Fork and Femme goes beyond a single day of support. It’s about visibility, connection, and opportunity for the women shaping our local food scene. ...

In our very first “Under the Hood” episode—a new monthly series where we go behind the scenes of East Dallas’ most beloved restaurants—Camille and Rich sit down with Wende Stevenson and Aaron Goss, the powerhouse duo behind MoMo Italian Kitchen in Lake Highlands.

This isn't just another Italian spot. MoMo is built on the legendary recipes of Fernanda Gosetti—known as the Julia Child of Northern Italy—and brought to Dallas by he...

In this segment with The Chamber Chicks, they’re diving into a conversation with the good folks at Summerhill Pools, right here in East Dallas. From custom designs to what makes a pool project run smooth (or not!), they talk all things pools, patios, and creating backyard spaces that bring people together. Whether you're dreaming of a summer refresh or just want to hear from a local business that’s been serving our community f...

Step up to the plate! ⚾ Founder of the Mudbugs Jo Pearce joins Camille and Rich to talk about the Mudbugs, East Dallas’ very own sandlot baseball team. With baseball being Rich’s favorite sport, you know he’s fired up for this one! From the heart of the community to the fun and nostalgia of the game, this episode dives into what makes the Mudbugs special. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good local sports ...

Spring is around the corner, and you know what that means, mosquito season is upon us! In this episode with The Chamber Chicks, they sit down with Rebecca Rider, owner of Mosquito Shield of East Dallas, to talk all things mosquitoes. From how and why she started her business to the science behind mosquito control, we cover what you need to know to keep your home and outdoor spaces bite-free. Don’t let these pesky insects ruin your ...