#8 Jun 21, 25

How Katy Trail Ice House Became Dallas’ Ultimate Beer Garden

How Katy Trail Ice House Became Dallas’ Ultimate Beer Garden
Click here to watch a video of this episode.

In this episode of Building Dallas, we sit down with Buddy Kramer — co-founder of the iconic Katy Trail Ice House — to uncover the wild origin story of one of Dallas' most beloved social landmarks. From nearly giving up on a risky 5-year lease to serving over 800 guests on day one, Buddy shares how a few picnic tables and an idea turned into a $350,000/week hospitality powerhouse. We dive into the expansion of the original Uptown Dallas location, the vision behind its tree-filled atmosphere, and what's next — including a massive mixed-use project in Allen, the Lucky Dog Saloon, and the upcoming Detroit-style pizza launch. Learn how real estate savvy, community focus, and atmosphere-first thinking turned a beer garden into a cultural cornerstone of North Texas.

Episode Video

Creators and Guests

Host

Chris Arrington

Chris Arrington is the President and Founder of Arrington Roofing. Originally trained as an architect, Chris left the drafting table over 40 years ago to pursue his true passion: building. With a lifetime of experience in construction, development, and roofing, he brings unmatched enthusiasm, depth, and vision to Building Dallas as a co-host. Get ready to go deeper as Chris shares the secret behind his success — a love for people and a relentless focus on the bigger picture.

Host

Reese Arrington

Reese Arrington is a co-host of Building Dallas, bringing a fresh perspective and dynamic energy to the show. Born and raised in Dallas, Reese's passion for storytelling and community engagement shines through in every episode. With a background in acting and media production, he excels at connecting with guests and drawing out compelling narratives. Reese's commitment to authentic conversations and his deep-rooted love for his hometown make him an integral voice in exploring the people and stories that shape Dallas.

Producer

Chase Arrington

Chase Arrington is the creator and executive producer of Building Dallas and owner of Arrington Media, a subsidiary of The Arrington Group, LLC. A fourth-generation Dallas native, Chase brings his lifelong passion for storytelling, entrepreneurship, and creative leadership to the show. With a background in filmmaking, music, and corporate media production — and a heart for building authentic connections — he’s driven to create spaces where people can share honest conversations, find meaning, and become their best. Chase is also a proud husband and father of three girls, and a believer in using vision and collaboration to help build a stronger, brighter Dallas for generations to come.