When they're not traveling with the Dallas Stars, Mike Modano and co-GM Brett Hull often can be found skulking around the Quadrangle checking on their new Hully & Mo Restaurant and Tap Room.
The American-comfort-food restaurant they are opening with Primo's founder Eddie Cervantes and investor Tim Headington is nearing completion. Crews should be clearing out later this week, and staff training should begin in preparation for a post-Christmas soft opening. In January, there will be two grand openings: one for friends of the owners and one charity event to benefit the Mike Modano Foundation.
Brett and his wife, Darcie, and Mike and his wife, Willa Ford, have visited the former Riccardi's often.
Beefing up their line
In the meantime, Bob's Steak & Chop House owner Bob Sambol is still a favorite of Dallas Stars. Among the perks that Sean Avery is missing is the occasional in-flight steak dinner.
After the Stars' victory over Detroit last Friday, Bob chauffeured 50 filets out to Love Field and loaded them aboard the team plane for the flight to Nashville to play the Predators.
Boeing all the way
Speaking of the Stars in flight, the team is enjoying its new ride.
The Stars and the Texas Rangers used to share an aging Boeing 727-200 that woke up most of Highland Park when it made nighttime departures at Love Field.
But, last year, the teams upgraded to a newer, roomier, quieter 757. Among the amenities are 24 seats that rotate 360 degrees and recline into full sleepers, 47 additional first-class seats and flat-screen TVs.
The right side of the plane carries the Dallas Stars' logo, while the left side has the Rangers' logo.
Jingle Jet taxi service
Wednesday, the Stars-Rangers 757 will be renamed the Jingle Jet and will make a short journey carrying five families who have endured hardship during the holidays. The group was chosen from a list of nominees by Tony Zazza and Victoria Snee of "Mix 102.9" KDMX-FM.
The families will board the big plane and it will taxi to a Love Field hangar that has been decorated like the North Pole. Santa and Mrs. Claus will present gifts and Christmas trees to each family.
Mr. Modano and Ms. Ford, Stars head coach Dave Tippett and his wife, Wendy, and Rangers third baseman Travis Metcalf also will be there.
Thanks a million
If you see beer distributor Barry Andrews or Plains Capital banker Alan White, ask for one of the Merry Christmas $1million bills they've printed with their photo on them. "You can redeem them at Andrews Distributing," Alan jokes.
