NewQuest Properties is celebrating the latest round of restaurant openings in Carrollton Town Center as it approaches 100% lease-up of the 154,863-sf phase one. Pre-leasing is underway for phase two.

The just-opened restaurants are Kickin Crab, a Texas newcomer; Churro Alley, its launch site; and Rice Chicken, its second spot in the U.S. Opening in mid-May will be T Swirl Crepe, its second location west of the Mississippi River, and Too Thai Street Eats, a new concept for a Dallas-based restaurateur.

NewQuest's innovative marketplace is 93.7% leased, with only four vacant spaces in the 11.6-acre phase one at 2450 Old Denton Rd. in Carrollton. Phase two's anchor is the 6,500-sf First Intercontinental Bank. The 4.6-acre second phase will add 42,683 sf to the Asian Fusion-style project.

"We're drawing all ethnicities, all ages and lots of Millennials to Carrollton Town Center," says Heather Nguyen, development partner on the project. She and John Nguyen, an associate with Houston-based NewQuest, are the moving forces behind the leasing activity.

"There is almost 100,000 sf of small shop space that's been filled within 18 months. That's a good amount of leasing activity," Heather Nguyen adds.

The expanded line-up features:

1. The Kickin Crab has tapped 4,097 sf for its Texas inroad. The California-based chain offers a fun-filled, hands-on fresh seafood destination with a distinctive ambiance and a Louisiana and Cajun-style down-home menu.

2. Korea-based Rice Chicken has leased 3,217 sf for its second location in North Texas, which is emerging as a U.S. test market for its specialty cuisine. Frisco may get the third site. Only rice flour is used in the preparation of dishes to achieve a crispier and healthier dining choice.

3. Churro Alley has taken 1,676 sf to introduce its dessert concept in the market. The menu features handcrafted, dipped churros glazed with a variety of toppings and served chilled with ice cream or frozen yogurt.

4. New York-based T Swirl Crepe's Carrollton eatery, totaling 1,372 sf, will be one of five that the chain is adding to its current 13-location portfolio. Made from 100% gluten-free rice flour, the Japanese crepe is artistically crafted and designed to fit into a paper wrap that is easily held in the hand for a "meal on the go" experience. The T Swirl menu features a wide variety of savory and sweet crepes for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as in-between treats.

5. Too Thai Street Eats will open in 2,817 sf, which has been scooped up by a Dallas-based restaurateur to introduce Thai street food to the marketplace.

To date, Carrollton Town Center has attracted 22 restaurants and retailers, many new to Texas. The concentration of innovative shopping opportunities and the vast "foodie" experience" has quickly evolved into a destination.

"We're drawing customers from Austin, Houston and Oklahoma. On a daily basis, our trade area now encompasses 15 to 20 miles," Heather Nguyen says. "We are ecstatic about the draw this center is receiving in the Dallas market. Carrollton Town Center has evolved into a foodie destination."