A Las Vegas hospitality group is making a move on Dallas, and has hired a local chef to make that happen.

The group is Hooper Hospitality, which has two concepts in the works:

• The Saint, an Italian steakhouse opening in the former Two Sisters space at 2633 Gaston Ave.
• Night Rooster, an Asian restaurant and bar opening in the Design District at 1000 N. Riverfront Blvd.

To oversee the expansion, they've retained chef Jacob Williamson, who was part of the opening team at Wolfgang Puck's Five Sixty and has worked with critically acclaimed chefs such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Stephan Pyles.

Hooper Hospitality Concepts was created by hospitality veteran Andy Hooper, who has managed some of the biggest dining establishments in the U.S., from New York and Nashville to the Las Vegas Strip.

Williamson was at Five Sixty until it closed in 2020, then worked at Harper's and the soon-to-open Dallas restaurant by Groot Hospitality, Komodo. He was nominated in 2020 for Chef of the Year in CultureMap's annual Tastemaker Awards.

Hooper founder Andy Hooper says in a statement that they appreciated Williamson's connections within the Texas farming and ranching industry, as well as his understanding of many cuisines.

"As we continue to open new concepts, all with their own unique DNA and culinary influences, Jacob’s versatility and skill will be imperative to our success," Hooper says.

Originally forecast to open in fall 2022, now early 2023, The Saint will feature an Italian-inspired menu, with dry-aged meat and chops, pasta made in-house, and an abundance of vegetable-based dishes for vegetarians and vegans. The beverage program will consist of inventive spins on classic cocktails, with house-made syrups and tonics, and a wine list emphasizing Italian wine and California reds.

Night Rooster will feature shareable plates featuring dim sum and classic Asian dishes, as well as Japanese beef and raw bar favorites. The cocktail program will emphasize Asian whiskeys, soju, and sake. It'll open in mid- to late-2023.