The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is entering an exciting new chapter in its storied history with the debut of Flora House, a reimagined onsite dining destination brought to life by Westland Hospitality — a born-and-built-in-Fort Worth collection of locally rooted restaurants, venues, and hospitality concepts. The announcement marks a landmark collaboration between two Fort Worth legacy organizations, uniting a commitment to community, culinary excellence, and unforgettable experiences.
Flora House will occupy the Garden’s current cafe space and be open to the entire community, offering guests a one-of-a-kind dining experience nestled within one of the city’s most cherished natural settings. Backed by extensive renovations, the new concept goes far beyond a restaurant refresh; it is a bold reimagining of what dining at the Botanic Garden can be. Estimated opening for the new restaurant is fall 2026.
Chef Juan Rodriguez will lead the culinary vision for Flora House and the Garden’s exclusive catering experience, crafting seasonal, chef-driven menus that reflect the beauty and spirit of the Garden’s ever-changing landscape. Paige Rodriguez will oversee event operations and guest experience, ensuring every visit, from a casual lunch to a milestone celebration, is executed with warmth and intention.
Guests can look forward to an elevated and ever-evolving hospitality experience throughout the Garden, including intimate Secret Garden Supper Clubs, thoughtfully crafted cocktails, curated beverage experiences, and family-friendly mocktails — all designed to complement the natural surroundings in every season.
Westland Hospitality’s portfolio of locally rooted concepts includes Magdalena’s Catering & Events, Westland Bar Co., Pulido’s Kitchen & Cantina, JD’s Hamburgers, Curly’s Frozen Custard, Westland Gardens, and Margie’s Italian Gardens, all dedicated to Westland’s mission of bringing people together and helping make the moment special.
“As we continue to grow, our mission has always remained the same; our family has always believed that food brings people together,” said Juan Rodriguez, Partner of Westland Hospitality. “Rooted in the traditions passed down by my Abuela, we still live by her favorite saying: ‘Full Bellies, Happy Hearts.'”
In addition to Flora House, Westland Hospitality has been selected as the exclusive catering partner of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, further elevating the Garden’s reputation as one of Fort Worth’s premier event destinations. With a wide range of stunning indoor and outdoor venues, the Garden offers an unmatched backdrop for events of every scale. Westland Hospitality will bring curated menus, streamlined planning, and signature service to weddings, galas, corporate events, and intimate gatherings alike, with food and beverage offerings tailored to the setting, season, and style of each occasion.
“Westland Hospitality brings an extraordinary level of passion, creativity, and community spirit to everything they do,” said Patrick Newman, President & CEO of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden. “We are thrilled to welcome them to the Garden and confident that Flora House will quickly become one of Fort Worth’s most beloved dining experiences. Their expertise in events and catering will also elevate every occasion held on our grounds, ensuring that every guest, whether joining us for a casual meal or a milestone celebration, is met with truly exceptional hospitality.”
Flora House and the exclusive catering partnership represent more than a business arrangement — they are a shared commitment between two Fort Worth institutions to foster community, honor the Garden’s legacy, and shape the future of one of the city’s most treasured destinations.
For more information, contact admissions@fwbg.org.
About Westland Hospitality Westland Hospitality was formed through the merger of two family-owned companies with a shared passion for food, service, and community. What began more than a decade ago as Magdalena’s Catering & Events grew from a desire to create meaningful experiences through exceptional food and hospitality. As the company expanded, it joined forces with Westland Restaurant Group, combining strengths in catering, restaurant operations, and guest experience to form what is now Westland Hospitality.
Today, Westland Hospitality brings together a diverse portfolio of hospitality concepts, including Magdalena’s Catering & Events, Westland Bar Co., Pulido’s Kitchen & Cantina, JD’s Hamburgers, Margie’s Italian Garden, and Curly’s Frozen Custard. From weddings and corporate events to restaurants, concessions, venue partnerships, and community celebrations, the company is united by a commitment to creating memorable experiences and genuine connections.
Guided by its mission to Make the Moment Special, Westland Hospitality believes that great food is only the beginning. Through thoughtful service, strong partnerships, and a guest-first approach, the company strives to bring people together, celebrate life’s milestones, and create lasting memories throughout the communities it serves.
About the Fort Worth Botanic Garden Nestled in Fort Worth’s vibrant Cultural District, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden holds the distinction of being Texas’s oldest public botanic garden, a 120-acre oasis just two miles west of downtown that invites guests to discover world-class botanical treasures spanning continents and cultures.
Explore 23 specialty gardens, managed natural areas, and collections greenhouses that weave together stories of distant lands and local heritage. The historic Rose Garden creates a tapestry of color and fragrance, while the tranquil Japanese Garden transports guests to a world of peaceful beauty. From intimate specialty collections to expansive natural landscapes, each distinct area offers its own botanical narrative.
Beyond its stunning displays, the Garden also serves as a hub for discovery and learning. Families and adults engage with nature through educational programs, while groundbreaking research unfolds through the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT®). The BRIT Philecology Herbarium houses nearly 1.5 million plant specimens—ranking among the largest herbaria in the United States—while the BRIT Research Library’s 125,000 volumes represent a world-class repository of plant science knowledge. BRIT Press publishes scholarly books and the peer-reviewed journal JBRIT, contributing vital research to the global scientific community.
Whether you’re seeking peaceful contemplation among exotic blooms, educational adventure with the family, or insight into innovative botanical research, the Fort Worth Botanic Garden offers an extraordinary experience where natural beauty meets scientific discovery.
Location: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107
