A New Coffee and Music Hangout Is Taking Over the Iconic New York Sub Spot Near SMU

Rollin' Joe's is intended to be an all-day community space that can go from a study space in the morning to a music lounge in the evening. It will officially open on Friday 6th November 2026, following a public preview on the 5th. The space is 1,373 sq ft.

The Concept and the Founders

The brand is the brainchild of SMU alumnus Jerry W. Mooty Jr. (CEO and principal of Christie's International Real Estate @properties Lone Star and nephew of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones) and his long-time friend Kirk Thompson. Thompson has extensive hospitality experience and previously ran several Panera Bread and Jimmy John's franchises.

The shop is named after "Joe" (a completely fictional character), whom the founders describe as a "laid-back, music-loving type." The whole store reflects that spirit. Alexander Quintanilla of Q-ARC completely redesigned it with a hybrid vinyl listening lounge, a DJ booth, warm ambient lighting, and a covered patio. For the student and the commuter who is just on the run, there's also an exterior 'Quick Sip' window so you can grab a drink.

A Beverage-Forward Menu

Capitalizing on the increasing demand for non-alcoholic places to hang out among the younger set, Rollin Joe's has a huge range of specialty drinks.

The café will serve classic espressos, frozen drinks, matcha, fruit-based refreshers, and energy drinks. The menu is very much in keeping with the music theme, with drinks such as the 'Purple Rain', the 'Funky Monkey', and the 'Gone Swimmin' Americano. There will be no alcohol on sale at the café.

King's Hawaiian Sliders and Sweet Treats

While the focus is on the beverages, the food menu also has some great quick bites. Along with King's Hawaiian, they're offering a breakfast and lunch slider menu served onKing's Hawaiian sweet rolls.

Menu highlights include:

• The Don: Genoa salami, capicola, ham, and provolone.

• Mile High Club: Classic ham, turkey, and bacon.

• Breakfast options are the 'Bacon Me Crazy' and the 'Pork & Mindy'.

For the sweet-toothed, there are also homemade Rice Krispies treats, fresh strawberry Pop Tarts, and sea salt chocolate chip cookies.

Hours and Future Expansion

The Park Cities location will operate daily from 6 AM to 8 PM, serving both the early-morning campus crowd and evening study sessions. A mobile app for pre-ordering is expected to launch shortly after the grand opening.

This location across from SMU serves as the brand's flagship, but Mooty and Thompson already have their eyes on the future, with plans to expand the Rollin Joe's concept into other college towns.