Fort Worth, TX – Teddy Wongs, recently named Restaurant of the Year by Culture Map’s TasteMaker Awards, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Charisse Henry as its General Manager. A seasoned leader in the hospitality industry, Henry brings over two decades of experience managing acclaimed restaurants and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.

Certified by both the Court of Master Sommeliers and WSET, Charisse has built a reputation for elevating restaurant operations and crafting dynamic wine programs. Her passion for hospitality, professionalism, and people-first leadership style has earned her recognition across the industry. 

“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Charisse to the Teddy Wongs family,” said Kevin Cates, co-founding partner. “Her vision, energy, and leadership are exactly what we need as we continue to build on the incredible momentum of this past year.” Photo

Chef and partner, Patrick Ru added, “Charisse’s standards for excellence and her intuitive understanding of hospitality make her an ideal fit for Teddy Wongs. With her at the helm, we’re confident our guest experience will only get stronger.”

Charisse steps into the role during a landmark week for the restaurant. “Joining Teddy Wongs right as they’re being celebrated as Best Restaurant of the Year is an incredible honor,” Charisse commented. “This is a team that leads with heart, talent, and creativity – I’m excited to help take our hospitality to even greater heights.”

For more information visit, www.teddywongs.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

For media inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
Margaret McKoin
Margaret@thetimegroup.net

Telephone: 817-403-0866

April 22, 2025 – Fort Worth, Texas – A cherished culinary love affair has led Kevin and Lori Cates to expand their restaurant portfolio with the iconic Italian Barrel Restaurant in New Orleans. Known for their success with the acclaimed Teddy Wongs in Fort Worth, the Cates couple is bringing their passion for hospitality and their deep connection to the vibrant flavors of Northern Italy to this beloved dining destination. Kevin and Lori are long-time successful New Orleans entrepreneurs with a deep love for the city and its unique culture.

For years, Kevin and Lori have been regulars at The Italian Barrel, a charming establishment tucked in the heart of the historic French Quarter. It’s here where the couple got engaged and where they’ve celebrated countless family milestones. When Owner and Executive Chef Samantha Castagnetti decided to sell the restaurant and focus on her Pinacoteca concept around the corner, she couldn’t think of anyone better to continue her legacy than Kevin and Lori. Kevin’s mother was from Northern Italy. As a young boy, he spent many hours in the kitchen with her and his other relatives in Roveredo in Piano, Milan and Rome.

“I couldn’t imagine my restaurant in anyone else’s hands,” said Castagnetti. “They are like family to me. And after seeing how successful they have become with Teddy Wongs Dumplings and Wine in Fort Worth, I knew they were the perfect fit for The Italian Barrel.” Chef Samantha Castagnetti will remain with the restaurant as the Executive Chef.

The Cates and Chef Samantha are elated to announce that long term member of The Italian Barrel family and backbone of the restaurant, Sierra Little Henriques is continuing and stepping into the General Manager role.

The Italian Barrel is renowned for its authentic Northern Italian cuisine, offering a taste of Italy in the heart of New Orleans. From hand-crafted pastas to fresh local ingredients, the restaurant has been a staple for both locals and visitors alike, known for its intimate atmosphere and unforgettable flavors.
With this new addition, the Cates are poised to blend the rich culinary traditions of New Orleans with their commitment to exceptional fine dining experiences.

For more information about The Italian Barrel, visit www.theitalianbarrel.com
And for more about Teddy Wongs, visit www.teddywongs.com

Fort Worth, Texas – October 2, 2024 — Teddy Wongs is turning the spotlight on our very own teammate, the talented mixologist, Misha Nowell, and the delicious wine-based cocktails she has brought to the Teddy’s menu. Originally hailing from Salt Lake City, Misha brings a wealth of experience wrangling ingredients into sippin’ sensations. Click for Photos

A Blend of Professional Expertise and Personal Interests 

Misha’s professional journey includes notable stints at Bird Cafe in Sundance Square, Wishbone and Flynt, the Amber Room, and as the bar manager at Tre Mogli. Her seven years at Bird Cafe were particularly influential, as she honed her skills tackling interesting flavor combinations.

“I really like to use a lot of fresh ingredients and things that would normally go in a dish,” says Misha. One of her proudest creations is the “You Do Yuzu” cocktail from the Amber Room, featuring Roku Gin, Soju, Yuzu juice, white miso paste, lemongrass simple syrup, and a saline solution. The cocktail is a testament to her ability to blend unexpected ingredients into pure liquid delight. New creations she has brought to Teddy Wongs include “The South Sea” a tropical sangria spritz, “Mountain Mist” a lemon lavender spritz, and the “Terracotta Warrior” a sake old fashioned.

A Nerd at Heart

Outside of her professional life, Misha says she “embraces her inner nerd”. She enjoys playing video games like Skyrim, Assassin’s Creed, and The Witcher, reading, watching scary movies, going to the gym, and experimenting with cooking healthy foods.

Wine To Go

Saddle up at the bar to catch Misha’s latest concoctions. The flavors will deliciously be updated with the season. Stay tuned for fall!

We’ll leave you with one last tidbit of gossip for yappin’ at the General Store – did you know Teddy’s offers 25% off to-go bottles of wine and sake? Just for grabbin’ it off the shelf, you get major savings. And don’t forget these aren’t just normal wines, this is an award-winning wine list you get to pick from for insane value. Take some Giggle Juice home with you to enjoy with the one who keeps you cozy by the campfire. Until next time partner…

For more information, visit www.teddywongs.com or make a RESY today.

Fort Worth, TX –February 8, 2023  – Teddy Wongs, Fort Worth’s dumpling hotspot, is set to dazzle their guests with an exquisite array of feature menu items celebrating Chinese New Year, Fat Tuesday, and Valentine’s Day. Our culinary team invites you to make reservations to enjoy these limited time menu items. Click for Details

Teddy Wongs is embracing the rich cultural tapestry of Chinese New Year with a delectable selection of dishes that pay homage to the festive spirit. Guests will receive red envelopes on Saturday, February 10th and can try the limited time Singapore Salt and Pepper Prawns.

To celebrate Fat Tuesday, Teddy Wongs will be featuring a Fried Cod with Mapo Sauce paired with Stolpman GGT out of Ballard Canyon, California. 

Chef Patrick and his team have created a special Valentine’s menu that will treat guests to an unforgettable experience. The special menu will feature a Surf & Turf Fried Rice, a Lobster Dumpling and a Dessert Dumpling along with specially selected wines. The featured menu will be available Wednesday, February 14th through Sunday, February 18th. Teddy Wongs still has a few spots open for Valentine’s Day lunch, so book now on Resy.

Teddy Wongs recently revamped their daily Happy Hour from 3-6pm to include a featured wine flight and complimentary dumpling dish. For more information, contact www.teddywongs.com.

Fort Worth, TX –January 9, 2023 – Teddy Wongs, the acclaimed culinary destination, is set to make a sizzling statement during the 2024 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo by unveiling a special menu featuring the exquisite 44 Farms Texas raised angus beef. Known for their commitment to culinary excellence, Teddy Wongs will delight rodeo enthusiasts and food connoisseurs alike with an experience that captures the essence of Texas cuisine, along with selected Texas wines and beers.

The highlight of the menu will be the carefully curated selection of 44 Farms premier angus beef, renowned for its exceptional quality and flavor, to create three dishes including: Texas Beef & Broccoli, Texas Mongolian Beef and Steak Fried Rice.

To complement this extraordinary beef experience, Teddy Wongs will present a thoughtfully crafted menu of Texas wines and beers, adding a perfect pairing to the exceptional culinary offerings. From bold reds to crisp whites, and local craft beers that capture the spirit of Texas, the beverage selection will enhance the overall dining experience.

“We are thrilled to welcome visitors to the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, celebrating the iconic spirit of Texas,” stated Justin Faram, General Manager for Teddy Wongs. “Our exclusive menu provides a taste of the finest Texas has to offer.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to savor the finest flavors of Texas at Teddy Wong’s during the 2024 Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. It’s a culinary journey that promises to be as unforgettable as the rodeo itself. Make a reservation today on Resy.

For more information, contact www.teddywongs.com.