sudden chef shocker
Surprise chef resignation shutters The Woodlands' best restaurant
Austin Simmons has resigned from Tris.
The best restaurant in The Woodlands has served its last meal. Tris is closed effective immediately, the restaurant announced.
A statement posted to the restaurant’s website reads in part:
With a heavy heart, Tris, the acclaimed culinary destination in The Woodlands, announces its permanent closure following the resignation of executive chef Austin Simmons. After more than a decade of delivering exceptional dining experiences and forging deep connections with the community, Tris will close its doors effective immediately.
The Tris team extends its heartfelt gratitude for the community’s unwavering support and patronage.
Haydar Kustu, director of business development and marketing for Tris owners Black Forest Ventures tells CultureMap that Simmons tendered his resignation on December 31. The ownership decided it could not operate the restaurant without him.
“It took us by surprise,” Kustu tells CultureMap about Simmons’ resignation. “He said he wants to spend more time with his family and his fiancee. He didn’t give any indication of what he wants to do next.”
The restaurant’s staff is being offered positions at the company’s other concepts, The Kitchen in The Woodlands and the six Houston-area locations of Black Walnut Cafe. A recently-opened location of The Kitchen at George Bush Intercontinental Airport will also remain open.
Tris opened in 2018 as a replacement for Hubbell & Hudson Bistro. In an acknowledgment of Simmons’ key role in the concept, it is named for his eldest daughter. Tris quickly earned wide acclaim for signature dishes such as the Korean butter poached crab, lobster toast, and truffle grilled cheese.
Simmons also developed a deep interest in beef production, partnering with Texas rancher Larry Ludeke to develop the Gyulais wagyu beef program. That focus on sourcing earned the attention of podcast superstar Joe Rogan, who called his 2023 dinner at Tris “one of the best meals I’ve ever had in my life.”
As of now, Black Forest Ventures does not have any plans to replace Tris with another concept. They're looking for someone else to operate a new concept in the prime location in The Woodlands Waterway. “We will welcome any interest in new restaurant opportunities,” Kustu says.
CultureMap has contacted Simmons to learn more about his decision to resign and his future plans. We will update this article when he responds.
Truffle and Rye owners Kaitlyn and Joey Chavez.Courtesy of Truffle & Rye Market & Café
