Cowboys Superfan Opens Tex-Mex-Inspired Pizzeria in Dallas Medical District Food Hall

A new pizza restaurant with a Mexican-inspired menu has opened in the Dallas Medical District. Starboy's Pizzeria operates inside Food Nation Cinco Cocinas, the food hall at 4711 Maple Ave.

The food hall was created by Ray Quintanilla and restaurateur Mico Rodriguez, widely known as the "Godfather of Dallas Tex-Mex." Rodriguez died earlier this month at age 68.

Starboy's was founded by John Flores, an IT professional who describes himself as a Dallas Cowboys super-fan. Friends call him "Starboy," a nickname that blends his loyalty to the Cowboys with his fascination with NASA and space. The pizzeria occupies the space once home to Sal's Pizza and Restaurant.

Flores met Quintanilla and Rodriguez while hosting karaoke at Mico's Bar, another vendor in the food hall. When Sal's closed earlier this year, the three saw a chance to replace it with a refreshed pizza concept. Flores credits Rodriguez with inspiring the project. "It is because of Mico that I even thought about starting this project: he was part of this, he was always happy, and we really hit it off, so I miss him," he said.

Lupe Ibarra, a chef with 25 years of experience who worked at Sal's, has stayed on. She is continuing to refine traditional recipes while developing new signature pies tied to Flores' Mexican heritage. The menu pairs classic pizzas with more than 15 specialty offerings, including Pizza Birria, which echoes the flavors of birria tacos, as well as elotero, chicken fajita and pastor pies.

Flores' devotion to the Cowboys shows up in several creations. Cry Eagles Cry takes its cue from the Philly cheesesteak, with beef, green peppers, onions and mozzarella. Two versions of Starboy's Classic nod to the team's colors: the Blue has red sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, onions, sausage and fresh arugula, while the Silver has white sauce, chicken, mushrooms, onions, arugula, mozzarella and a balsamic glaze. The Cowboy is topped with brisket, onions, barbecue sauce and smoked gouda.

Sixteen-inch pizzas cost $14 to $25, and individual slices run about $4. Sub sandwiches, pastas with a choice of sauces and chicken Parmesan are all priced under $14. For the surrounding medical, residential and retail crowds, lunch specials under $12 include either pasta with garlic knots or a slice with a salad, along with a drink.

Starboy's joins Mico's Bar, Picazo Sushi and Poke, Wing City and JJ's Cafe, which opened a food hall location earlier this year.

Flores said his mother shaped his approach. "My mom would always host family gatherings. She always fed people, and I got that from her. I like to see smiles on people's faces from the things I do," he said. "I have big dreams for this place. I want us to be part of the community and give back."

He still hosts karaoke at Mico's Bar and is working to bring more visitors to the whole complex, including through Cowboys watch parties. His adult children, Nathan, Natalie and Amy, help with social media, the website and promotion. Starboy's Pizzeria is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.