A new lounge opening next door to Common Table will give this block of Uptown Dallas one thing it does not have: bottle service and cava flowing. Called Citizen, it's a cocktail bar-restaurant from an entrepreneurial trio whose portfolio has included fashion, nightclubs and craft-beer bars.
Imran Sheikh is a London native who opened Aftershock London in Preston Center in 2013; he is also involved in the lifestyle sites Need and Foremost. His partner Asim Sheikh is a hospitality veteran who was behind Zouk, among other nightspots. And Mark Hearl is co-owner of Common Table next door.
"We come from different backgrounds but all have experience in and share a passion for hospitality, and I think that's in our favor," Imran says.
Slated to open in the fall, Citizen — which veteran diners will recall also was the name of a last-decade sushi restaurant at Turtle Creek Village cheffed by Chris Ward — will be characterized by its versatility. "That means whether you want to recline quietly with a friend and enjoy a drink, celebrate on the dance floor, or sit contemplatively at the bar," he says. They'll institute an entertainment program to complement that, with live acoustic musicians and DJs, playing everything from modern hits to jazz.
The main persona of Citizen will be a bar, but with some notable nosh from the chef of the hour.
"We'll be doing bottle service, as well as an extensive champagne list," Imran says. "But it's not just a bar. We're going to have food designed by Rodman Shields from Common Table. It'll be more along the lines of a tapas-style menu with shareable plates that are easy and fun, and served until 2 am."
They're in the process of renovating a handsome old house at 2923 Fairmount St. that was formerly a land services company called Jimar, which vacated the premises in 2014. They'll leave the brick exposed but are adding a patio, banquettes, couches and a long bar.
Imran says that Citizen will fill a gap in the area, for those who enjoy a cocktail but also want to be able to dance and have a good time. "For us, 'citizen' refers to a person who feels at home," he says.
Asim Sheikh, Imran Sheikh and Mark Hearl are the folks opening Citizen.
