Twenty years ago, Frisco was not a city known for fine dining or entertaining nightlife. Thankfully that has changed, in part due to Simms Hospitality, founded by Derek and Sheree Simms.
Perhaps you didn’t know that Simms Hospitality is home to many of Frisco’s premier establishments. These include The Monarch Stag, The Glen Restaurant, J. Theodore Restaurant and Bar, Rare Books Bar and Eight 11 Place. It is often assumed that these establishments are owned by a private equity group or corporation, when in fact they are part of the locally owned Simms Hospitality.
Along with Derek and Sheree, the company has more than 300 employees, many of whom also live in Frisco. “We moved here 13 years ago, noticing Frisco had lots of restaurants, mostly chains. That does not make a city fun,” Derek said. He is proud of the concepts and experiences Simms Hospitality has brought to Frisco. “We eat, sleep and breathe hospitality. We live in Frisco and love our community. People love these restaurants and hopefully appreciate that we are a Frisco family group.”
The Simms have incorporated inspiration from their travels into each of their concepts. For example, J. Theodore, named after Derek’s late father, is a local favorite serving French-American cuisine in a charming atmosphere. It is also home to Frisco’s first speakeasy, Rare Books Bar, modeled after the “romance of an old bookstore but in a secret bar,” according to Sheree. If you prefer wine, head over to Eight 11 Place, the Simms’ first restaurant venture.
The Glen Restaurant & Bar and The Monarch Stag, both located at The Star in Frisco, are also popular destinations. The Glen features seafood and modern American fusion cuisine. Afterward, finish the evening at The Monarch Stag, where live music, a luxurious cigar lounge and an extensive selection of Scotch whisky await.
Simms Hospitality is also ready to host holiday parties, company dinners and special celebrations. Sheree manages corporate and private dining events, with venues that can accommodate groups of various sizes for graduations, weddings, baby showers and corporate occasions. With several unique concepts to choose from, Sheree can help find the perfect setting to match the mood of each event. Derek and Sheree also work closely together on the day-to-day operations of the restaurants to keep everything moving forward.
Simms Hospitality is continuing to expand with a major project in Little Elm, redeveloping the former Hula Hut location. The venture will introduce three new family-friendly concepts with a coastal New England feel. Coming soon are Simms Harbor House, The Oyster Club and Tiki Bar & Lounge Rum Rum Room, creating a new destination to spend an afternoon or evening on the lake.
Derek and Sheree are proud of the experiences they have helped bring to Frisco. “We drive across the U.S.A., and Frisco is the best city. There’s not another place with so much to do plus great restaurants,” Derek said. “People do not always realize how lucky we are here. So many people like us have made significant investments to build something for Frisco. There is nothing like this anywhere else.”
Sheree agrees. “We love the mix of ages in Frisco, from grandparents and parents to kids. Our community does a good job of bringing sports, entertainment and restaurants for any stage of life. Frisco is a great city for all ages.”
An important part of that community is the Simms Hospitality team. “We would not be where we are without our team behind us. They live here too and have a passion for our town and company,” Sheree said.
Derek agrees, adding, “We are bootstrap people, not a group of investors or a corporate entity.”
It is that hunger, pun intended, that has allowed Simms Hospitality to create welcoming experiences that bring people together in the heart of Frisco.
Learn more about each dining concept at SimmsHospitality.com
The Monarch Stag & The Glen Restaurant - 6655 Winning Dr, Ste 600, Frisco, 75034
J. Theodore Restaurant & Rare Books Bar - 6959 Lebanon Rd, Ste 110, Frisco, 75034
Eight 11 Place - 7080 Main St, Frisco, TX 75034