Renowned Dallas restaurateur gets back to business with Victory Park refresh

Dallas restaurateur Tristan Simon is back in action, and he’s going big. Through a new company called Rebees, the former Consilient Hospitality CEO is launching multiple concepts at Victory Park.

These ventures include a 4,000-square-foot retail emporium focusing on locally made goods, a 14,000-square-foot coworking space that includes a 3,500-square-foot cafe, and a 6,000-square-foot restaurant concept. Rebees will develop and operate the emporium and develop, operate, and own the other two.

Rebees also will assist Trademark Property Co., Victory Park’s retail partner, with food and beverage programming and overall marketing for the district.

The release doesn’t offer a lot in the way of details; it promises those are coming soon. All they’re willing to divulge is that the three Rebees concepts are slated to open in the second half of 2017 and will cover the entire block of Victory Park Lane between Museum Way and High Market Street.

“A key element of the new Victory Park’s success lies in attracting partners and tenants that understand the area and our vision for the district and seek to foster it through their efforts,” says Terry Montesi, CEO of Trademark Property Co., in a release. “Tristan is a master at creating concepts that resonate with customers and bring vibrancy and activity to the areas in which they are located. We are thrilled that he has committed to invest in the neighborhood and are excited to see the concepts he has in store for Victory.”

The concepts for which Simon is known include The Porch, Hibiscus, Victor Tangos, Fireside Pies, and CBD Provisions at The Joule. In July 2014, he sold his stake in Consilient to partner Tim Headington and resigned as CEO.

At the time he told D Magazine’s Nancy Nichols, “I don’t have the desire to start another restaurant company, at least in any traditional sense, or to continue development of stand-alone restaurant concepts. In recent years, I gained experience managing hotels and participating in complex real estate development. I really enjoyed those engagements and may build on them at some point.

“But for now, a long recharge is in order, perhaps punctuated by consulting and investing. After 15 years running the hamster wheel at full speed, I’m looking forward to some extended downtime off the grid.”

Through his new company, Rebees, Simon develops, manages, and advises on “unique programming for commercial real estate and hotel projects.”

Simon says he’s always felt Victory Park “had great promise as a walkable district” but needed more live-work density. “That density is materializing now and in a very serious way. Estein & Associates, who have been owners of Victory from the beginning, never lost faith in the vision and resolutely continued to build Victory to its potential while addressing the issues that held it back originally. Their conviction inspired me.”

Simon adds “the timing for Victory is right” to make it “one of the most compelling urban districts in Dallas. Our concepts will be an important part of the new Victory story.”

Victory Park began redevelopment efforts in 2014 — with changes such as widened sidewalks to accommodate large outdoor patios, two-way traffic on Houston Street and Victory Avenue, and Katy Trail extension with dedicated bike lines — and have continued with the addition of new tenants like Joanna Czech Spa, Cafe Victoria coffeehouse, and CrossFit. Construction has started on the multilevel, mixed-use building at Victory Park Lane and High Market Street, which will include the Cinepolis Luxury Cinemas.