Original House in 1971
1971-1976
1976-1983
1983-Present
Ed Lowe, founder of Celebration Restaurant taking a ride on his motorcycle.
Ed Lowe diligently working in his office. If those walls could talk!
After much success at the restaurant, Celebration Leather was opened in Prestonwood Mall. It was open for a short while until Prestonwood Mall closed.
Pictured is Ed Lowe in front of the leather shop with his truck. In this truck, he would drive to the Farmers Market on the weekends to pick up local products.
The leather shop featured several types of handmade leather goods. Customers would shop while waiting for a table in the restaurant. The leather shop is now the east dining room.
Celebration Restaurant was designed by architect John Mullen. Pictured is a site plan that has been added onto over the years.
Cost of goods have vastly changed since 1971!
As years went by, many changes were made at Celebration. The lunch menu was introduced to customers in 1981. The menu pictured is very similar to the one offered today.
As a way to thank our customers, Ed had the idea to begin offering an anniversary special each year in March. This includes roll back pricing to the original entrees. This is the original brainstorm of the message we wanted to portray to customers. Not much has changed since this was written—only more loyal customers coming to join the celebration!
Celebration opened a location in Fort Worth in 1990 that offered the same menu as the Dallas location. It was a large open space that many customers enjoyed while we were open. The location closed as the Dallas location was a growing success and would soon be offering Catering.
It wasn’t all work and no play! Pictured is Aubrey Hughes playing at a Celebration softball game. The softball team was formed in the 80’s and continued for a few years. While we don’t have a softball team today, we have had cycling groups, soccer teams and various exercise groups over the years. As a way to build team work and have fun, its one way that has influenced the family-like environment we have at Celebration.
If only travel and products could be this inexpensive today! A look back on purchases made to create Celebration Leather.
Celebration Restaurant was founded by Ed Lowe on March 2nd, 1971. Made of real stone, wood, and copper – these elements are still incorporated into architectural features today. As a young hippie about to embark on a new adventure, Ed learned very quickly the steadfast commitment required to operate a restaurant – an evolving business.
Ed wanted to serve good food to good people in a comfortable atmosphere. With determination, perseverance, and the help of friends of the family, his vision came to life. Our customers came and came again with lines out the door, including former Dallas Cowboys and ZZ top. Back in the ’70s and ’80s, folks came with their bottles of wine and sat out underneath the trees while waiting almost 2 hours to be seated, most of which were on a first name basis – and still are to this day!
For customers that have been dining at Celebration since day one, most are very fond of the leather shop that was a part of the restaurant. Customers were able to shop for jackets, belts, boots, handbags – only to name a few items. After gaining much success at the leather shop on Lovers Lane, Celebration Leather was opened in Prestonwood Mall and featured many of the same pieces. Ed and several others made Celebration’s original leather menus that hang in the original part of the restaurant today.
Being Dallas’ original farm-to-table restaurant, our commitment to fresh and local products began back in the ’70s. Every Saturday morning, we would meet up with farmers down at the Farmers Market for fresh vegetables. The farmers’ kids would spend their Friday nights shucking black-eyed peas and purple hull peas while watching their Friday night TV. Celebration became a part of the evolving neighborhood throughout the years, and it always had its highlights. When times were slower back then, you could drive down Lovers Lane and hear BB King’s brother having a jam session for the whole neighborhood to hear!
In 1990, Celebration opened a second location in Fort Worth. Due to the growing success of the Dallas location, it closed in 2000. Since opening in 1971, the restaurant added to the original building two old houses, a full-service bar, and a wonderful patio complete with a stone fireplace and fountain. Celebration is a Dallas favorite where our valued friends and customers can enjoy freshly prepared and seasonal food.
As Celebration enjoyed success over the years, we discovered a demand for the same great food and service off-site. In 1994, we started our catering business. Whether for corporate meetings or lunch service, school lunches, receptions, or special events, Celebration has the ability to meet your catering needs no matter the occasion.
In 2000, we opened Celebration Market next to the restaurant to serve our customers who prefer their meals on-the-go. Whether you enjoy eating in the comfort of your own home or are just in a hurry to put a meal together for your family, think of Celebration Market as your neighborhood kitchen.
Many of our Partners have worked at Celebration for 5 years or longer. It is because of them that we are able to continue serving you. The family-like environment amongst our team has been referred to as a ‘Cheers’ type atmosphere – where everyone knows your name!
As Celebration celebrates 50 years of serving delicious, affordable, locally sourced food, we want to thank our vendors, friends, and customers for your loving and loyal support!
We want to hear YOUR stories throughout the 52 years with Celebration!
What memories do you have with family & friends? Share them with us to be featured on our website and social media.
”I have been going to Celebration since moving back to Dallas in '79. I worked at the restaurant in 88--89 while transitioning from business to education and love to see people STILL THERE after all these years. Thank you to John Radke for my birthday dinner with Daughter, Emily, last night. My favorite place to enjoy a meal and a chat.
Jon Mamula
”While eating at Celebration in 1971, had the pleasure of enjoying butter beans cooked with carrot juice and whatever else. I copied them as much as possible in my own kitchen. Have never had them again at Celebration. PLEASE, resurrect this recipe and serve them again. Thank you.
Martin
”We were at Celebration the night of the soft opening, and we will never forget that marvelous occasion! Rev. Ken Dickson of Highland Park Methodist Church had been invited to bless the restaurant before it opened, and we sat with Ken, his wife Mary Jane, and proud papa Jack Lowe (whose company, Texas Distributors, had made each of the copper table tops!), It was our first of now hundreds of still wonderful, meticulously prepared Celebration meals. The air of that evening was electric with excitement and anticipation of the promised food, which turned out to be as delicious and delectable as promised. Ed was so proud of every detail, especially the fresh vegetables. The excited staff was dedicated to making everything perfect: that night they were already beginning the now 52 years of being consistently appreciated, cared for, and mentored by Ed and the others in charge, especially our almost daughters, the Armstrong girls Alex and Elise. Here's to many more Celebration years filled with what its past history has offered!
Don and Fran Jackson
”On July 19, 1991, Cindy G. Slechta, Glenn W. Browning, our wedding party, and family/friends had our Wedding Rehearsal dinner at your restaurant. That started us on our journey the next day as a married couple, who will be on our 31st anniversary on July 20, 2022. That is our story, we recently converted the VHS tape to a DVD that has footage of us at your restaurant.
Glenn Browning
”I first moved to Dallas area in 1974 from Oklahoma. I worked Tuesday through Saturday. Sundays I would go to the Celebration and fill up on vegetables, salad, juice and bread. It would last through my weekend. I wouldn't be hungry again until Tuesday morning. Anytime friends or family would visit this was our go to place. Everyone loves the Celebration. I come to the restaurant as often as possible.
Di Wike
”Congratulations for 51 years! I have savored many fine meals at Celebration Restaurant, and never once had any disappointments. Every dish I ordered was my new favorite! I remember having dinner once with my toddler son along with other family members. From his highchair, my son littered the floor with cracker crumbs, and the servers were so forgiving. Again, so sorry for the mess. My son is now 41 years old. He no longer throws cracker crumbs on the floor. Celebration, I love you.
Victoria Marie Clary
”My husband brought me here for our first date in 1995. I guess the date went well because we have been married over 20 years. Good food. Good memories.
Denise Rufus
”I graduated Thomas Jefferson HS in 1969 in Dallas, TX. My memory of Celebration go back to its earliest beginning. I worked at the JC Penny's down the street during College in the early 70's and my friend Coke Bucannan worked as a Waiter at Celebration during those years and beyond. My wife and I married in 1980 and we made Celebration our favorite restaurant. Today our eldest son, his wife and kids have made Celebration a family restaurant tradition as well. The food has always been incredibly consistent and delicious throughout the years and we just have always loved the family atmosphere. Celebration and our family memories are interwoven through time. Keep up the good work guys!
Alan O.
”Some friends brought my girlfriend and I to Celebration for my 19th birthday. That was in 1974! That girlfriend is now my wife of 45 years. We have never missed coming back for my birthday with our family in addition to the many other visits during the year. Whenever someone asks what is our favorite restaurant in Dallas, the easy answer is Celebration! Congrats on the anniversary!
Steve Henry
”I was there many times in 71-73 as a single girl living at The Village in Dallas. One visit I met Ed Lowe.I loved the fresh vegetables and “home cooking” In 1974 I married and moved to 4 different states returning in 1992. Through the years as I returned to visit my family enjoyed many celebrations at Celebration. Today as a widow I have introduced many friends and continued to enjoyed visits to Celebration. Pot roast has and meatloaf have always been my favorite. A faithful customer!! I will look for pictures celebrating my Mom’s 100 BD . She loved it too but passed at 104 in 2019
Sondra Hickman Hester
”Our favorite restaurant in Texas! Never disappoints, from the pot roast to the veggies to the soups...and the breads, the cornbread is out of this world. The outdoor patio for our golden retriever is wonderful as was the impeccable service from our server, Jon R., he really makes you feel welcome.
Rodney McDonald
”Have loved going to Celebration over the years!!
My ex-husband used to deliver Haagen Dazs ice cram to the restaurant a very long time ago and he said the kitchen was the cleanest in all of Dallas. That's one of the reason I continue to came back time after time. And I just purchased a 50 Year t-shirt for him as I know he will love it.
Jacqueline Orr
”It appears that we have been dining at Celebration Restaurant for just about 50 years! When we come into town from Boerne we visit Celebration. The service is always dependable, and the food absolutely amazing; delicious home cooking!
Katie Gleason
”In 1985, as newlyweds, my husband and I bought a darling little cottage on W. Amherst-- the street just north of Celebration. We were just one block east of the restaurant and quickly it became one of our favorite dining places! My husband worked very long hours getting started in his career. It was nice for me to be able to pop up at the bar, alone, and enjoy a delicious dinner "with" Jon! At Celebration, I knew I would be welcomed by my kind dinner "companion". I remember when his twins were born, although I never knew his last name until reading it now!
Thank you ALL for the consistent good food and warm hospitality. You all are good reminders that you never know how simple kindness is appreciated to someone that might be feeling alone.
Kay
”LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT! It really does happen. On March 15, 1982, my husband found out that I wanted to go out with him. So a mutual friend set up a double date for us. Our date would take place on Saturday night March 20th at Celebration. Neither of us had ever been there. My husband could not wait for Saturday night for our scheduled date, so we got together to hang out on that Monday night and every night up to Saturday. After our first three evening together, we knew we wanted to spend our life together, so imagine the surprise of our friends when we arrived Saturday night for our double date, with a bottle of Champaign announcing that we were going to get married. That week we fell in love with each other and with the Celebration Restaurant. We love the food, the people and the atmosphere. We have been back many times to celebrate our anniversaries and birthdays. Thank you Celebration for being a part of our life together for the past 39 years.
Donna Young
”In 1974 I went to work as a doorman for the Red Dog Saloon. I made a lot of friends, both customers and employees. Our group contained a cross section of personalities and incomes.. Like the Red Dog, The Celibration was just getting started. It quickly became our go to spot for lunch and dinner. Like all good restaurateurs Ed was always there meeting his customers needs and listening to bad jokes. Since those early days I have traveled the US, Mexico, and Canada. I've frequented some of the finest restaurants that the industry has to offer. The Celibration continues to be one of my favorite places. Hopefully, my family and I will continue the tradition for Years to come.
Paul Yates
”My husband & I have been coming to Celebration restaurant since before we were married. Our sweet friend, Edith Ungerman, introduced us to the restaurant while I was living nearby and in college back in 1994. Celebration's quaint and cozy atmosphere appealed to us as we did not realize how big the restaurant really was. We so enjoyed having homemade breads served with our meal. We continued to have special meals there after we got married and moved to the Dallas suburbs. We even brought friends with us to introduce them to our favorite place. Later, we brought our three sons with us to celebrate a special anniversary. Then, it was quite special that we were given a catered meal by my husband's new job employees for a difficult time we were experiencing in our lives and without them knowing us, it was from Celebration. We chose your restaurant to have our parents' 50th wedding anniversary with our close-knit family. Family members drove in from East Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma to attend. It was very special and everyone loved it! We While we are not currently living in Dallas, we still come by when we are heading to the Love Field airport. We have a special place in our heart for this restaurant because the start of our romance included this place and many warm memories have continued. Congratulations on 50 years of amazing service to your grateful community!! Best wishes for the future 50!
Shannon Penn
”I found my biological mother through an Ancestry DNA test in 2018. She had given me up for adoption 45 years earlier. After only texting with her a few times I decided to have her meet me at Celebration for our first face to face meeting! Thanks, Celebration, for this special memory along with so many others!
Sean Stewart
”Wow! 50 years! Where’d the time go! Seems like just the other day I took my sweet girlfriend (now wife) Diana there for a $2.95 meal, hung out in the leather shop until they called our name and then left so full of rolls we could barely breathe!😂 We’ve celebrated a LOT of birthdays, engagements, anniversaries, babies and graduations at that place! It’s always been one of our family’s favorites! 🎉🎉🎉Celebrate life!
Bill and Diana Lawson
”We've been eating at Celebration for most of your 50 years! I remember ordering off of the leather menus in the early 70's. Loved the homemade ice cream and the genuine, homey vibe of the place even when I was ten. We've celebrated countless birthdays and anniversaries with you. My husband of 28 years met my parents for the very first time over dinner at Celebration. I met his brother and family there as well. In a business as tough as any, Celebration has stood the test of time by offering authentic, quality food in a welcoming atmosphere. Congratulations and cheers to 50 more!
Rebecca Serio
”As a teenager I frequented the "Leather Shop". I had a fabulous purse and belt, purchased from the Celebration leather shop. I came with my best friends, who also purchased "jingles" jackets which they still have today. Where is my stuff - man? Celebration is one of the best memories of my youth I have. My spouse and I continue to make memories there. He is an Okie so new to Celebration, but loves it as I do. We celebrated our Anniversary there last year with the same friends who bought jackets there and who married almost 50 years ago. I am attaching a photo of their daughter, my goddaughter wearing one of the beautiful jackets. She was headed to a party at out house.
I also remember one visit when someone was sitting on a back porch making homemade ice cream.
Cyndi Gerard
”I do not even remember when we began going to Celebration but let's say since we found it on Lovers Lane as that was the old neighborhood I was raised around. During my years working in aviation related company we took many customers there. Then cousins reunions and quite friend get togethers. The food always the draw as well as the wonderful, professional staff you have always have.
It is an ICON in North Dallas in my opinion. I do not get out as much as I used to but will for sure go to Celebration for so many wonderful items.
Thank you for your restaurant and good old country food and service.
Joan Jones
”My wife CJ and I were married in the Cockran Chapel on NW highway a short distance from Celebration, on April 24, 1971. My best man and friend Randy was a friend of Ed Lowe, and we had already been to the restaurant a few times before we were married. Over the years, we came in many times and often brought out of town friends there when they visited. We had our 20th anniversary dinner there in 1991. Without a doubt, our favorite restaurant ... 1971 was a great year - Celebration opened, Southwest Airlines started, and we were married.
Jim and CJ Goodwin
”My husband was a beta-tester (or beta-taster) for Celebration. His parents knew Ed Lowe’s in-laws and through that connection they were invited to eat at the restaurant the night before they opened. Jim and I first began dining there in January 1975 with a group of college friends. Since then we’ve raved about Celebration. Birthdays, anniversaries, office parties, and as we got older, then just because we wanted to eat there for good food. Years later, I found out one of my friends had made curtains for the restaurant. After all, Dallas is just a small town. If we can think of a friend, we can remember eating there with them. Congratulations for 50 years of serving quality food in a lovely location.
Jim & Jane Reynolds
”Been eating there and buying belts since about '72-'73. Favorite place for Martinis, mashed taters, and fantastic salads. A wonderful spot for dates and family get togethers!!! Hope my Grand kids get to go there and enjoy!!!! Happy 50th Birthday!!!!
Bryant Wolf
”Steph and I have been dining here once a week for the last 20 years. We have always enjoyed the staff as well as the food over the years. We miss Ed a lot. He called us his patio barometers.
Ron Elvebak
We are just so happy the restaurant and traditions have continued in his absence. RIP Ed.
”We had been fairly regular diners at Celebrations since 1987, as we're most of our friends. So, when we got married in 1995, we held our rehearsal dinner at Celebrations! In law's, were from Alabama and a bit concerned about an "All You Can Eat/ Family Style" restaurant being of the appropriate caliber for their event. However, her sister lives here and said, Oh honey, this is DIFFERENT! We had a beautiful event there. Still go once every two weeks. College kids' only requests when they come home us for Celebrations!
Catherine Troy
”When I first began working at Celebration Restaurant I had no direction nor did I ever feel as though I belonged to anything in this world. Working alongside my coworkers who soon became my family for nearly ten years, I matured and felt the gift of love that celebration provided. Under the guidance of Ed Lowe, I learned to expand my love to encompass everything this world has to offer, from the rivers that flow throughout Texas and the vast oceans that support life for billions of people. Not a day goes by that his influence on all of us is not relevant to this day. Now I am a junior at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christ obtaining a degree in marine biology. I plan to continue past my bachelor's degree, past the master's program to obtain my Ph.D. so that I may give back as selflessly as Ed Lowe and the community Celebration Restaurant fosters.
Ignacio C Rueda
”I grew up in Fort Worth and in 1978-79 at age 18-19 I went with my first boyfriend (who would soon be my first husband) to eat at Celebration. I still remember the family style atmosphere with big bowls of food being passed around a long thick dining table. The memory of that experience is in large part because of that homey environment and the delicious bowls of garden fresh vegetables. Those were the days of "Don the Beachcomber" and Benihana of Tokyo which were popular chain restaurants but Celebration was very special in my mind.
Andrea (Kelley) Martin