Duro Hospitality: Where Vision Meets Culinary Excellence

A cornerstone of Dallas's vibrant culinary scene

duro hospitality by jonathan zizzo
Photo by the legendary Jonathan Zizzo – https://www.instagram.com/jonathanzizzo/

Founded by Benji Homsey, Chas Martin, Corbin See, and Ross See, Duro Hospitality has quickly become a cornerstone of Dallas’s vibrant culinary scene. These founders, each bringing unique skills and perspectives to the table, have created a hospitality brand known for its extraordinary dining experiences, bold concepts, and commitment to hospitality. With a keen eye for design, an understanding of the local dining culture, and a passion for impeccable service, they’ve crafted some of the city’s most lauded dining establishments.

The Concepts: A Journey Through Duro Hospitality’s Gems

1. The Mister Charles
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The latest jewel in Duro Hospitality’s crown, The Mister Charles, brings a fusion of luxury and comfort. With an opulent yet inviting atmosphere, this venue offers a dining experience that feels both intimate and grand. The menu is a mix of upscale comfort food with a twist of creativity, allowing diners to indulge in familiar favorites while discovering something new with every bite. Guests are drawn in by the meticulously curated ambiance, a perfect spot for those seeking an elevated dining night in Dallas.

2. The Charles
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A true reflection of bold Italian flavors with a modern twist, The Charles has established itself as one of Dallas’s go-to destinations for both its menu and its ambiance. With a design reminiscent of old-world Italian elegance, this restaurant focuses on hand-crafted pastas, wood-fired dishes, and an exceptional wine list. Bar Charles, located within, provides a sultry, sophisticated spot for pre- or post-dinner drinks, with cocktails crafted to complement the rich flavors of the dishes.

3. Sister
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Sister is the embodiment of laid-back Mediterranean charm combined with rustic Italian cuisine. This concept blends contemporary dining with a cozy, welcoming environment, making it an ideal spot for everything from casual dinners to special celebrations. With wood-fired pizzas, house-made pastas, and seasonal dishes that transport guests to the Mediterranean, Sister feels like a beloved neighborhood spot, while maintaining the high standards Duro Hospitality is known for.

4. El Carlos Elegante
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El Carlos Elegante offers a modern take on Mexican cuisine with a focus on traditional ingredients and elevated techniques. With bold flavors and creative interpretations of classic Mexican dishes, this restaurant is an experience in its own right. The vibrant interior design, infused with touches of Mexican heritage, adds to the allure, while the cocktail menu boasts some of the finest tequila and mezcal offerings in town. A celebration of culture, food, and passion, El Carlos Elegante brings the heart of Mexico to Dallas.

5. Café Duro
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Located just next door to The Charles, Café Duro is a European-style café and market that offers a more casual but equally delightful dining option. Whether you’re stopping by for a morning espresso, grabbing fresh pastries, or enjoying an afternoon wine, Café Duro has a charming ambiance that invites relaxation. Its small but thoughtfully curated market provides patrons with artisanal goods, wines, and pantry staples that reflect the Duro ethos of quality and craftsmanship.

6. Casa Duro
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Extending beyond the restaurant scene, Casa Duro is a stunning short-term rental property that embodies the same attention to detail and luxurious aesthetics that define Duro Hospitality’s restaurant concepts. Located in the heart of Dallas, Casa Duro offers a beautifully designed space for guests to immerse themselves in a curated experience of comfort and style, perfect for both local staycations and out-of-town visitors.

And, yes, you’re seeing that right! Casa Duro was awarded a MICHELIN Guide 2024 Key! Just one of 4 Dallas hotels, and one of 20 in Texas! A true testament to all the incredible work the Duro Hospitality team is doing.

Why Duro Hospitality is Destined for Greatness

What sets Duro Hospitality apart is its ability to seamlessly blend food, service, and design into an unforgettable dining and hospitality experience. Whether it’s the high-energy atmosphere of The Charles or the laid-back charm of Sister, each concept offers something truly unique while staying true to the founders’ vision of excellence. The restaurants aren’t just places to eat; they are destinations that invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy life’s pleasures with every bite.

What truly elevates the Duro Hospitality experience is the staff. From the moment you step into any of their establishments, you are greeted with a warm, personalized touch that makes every guest feel like the only one in the restaurant. The staff’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a unique dining experience ensures that each visit feels special. Whether it’s remembering your favorite dish, suggesting the perfect wine pairing, or simply making you feel at home, their level of service is unrivaled.

The hospitality here is not just about serving great food but about curating an unforgettable, guest-centric experience every time.


Clermont Lounge

A Love Letter To The Clermont

A Love Letter To The Clermont

To my dearest Clermont Hotel,

Where do I even begin? You have a magic about you that’s impossible to find anywhere else. Every time I walk through your doors, I’m enveloped by a feeling of excitement and familiarity, as if I’m coming home to something truly magical.

Let’s start with The Rooftop—a slice of heaven perched above the city. The way the lights of Atlanta dance on the horizon as the sun sets is nothing short of breathtaking. I can close my eyes and feel the Atlanta air burning through my skin, the city alive beneath me, while I sip on one of your expertly crafted cocktails. Your bartenders up there—true masters of their craft—know exactly how to mix a drink and keep the mood just right. Every visit feels like a celebration with old friends, and the views… they’re the kind I draw like one of my French girls.

Then there’s The Lobby Bar, which has an entirely different kind of charm. It’s dark, intimate, and the kind of place where stories are shared and bad decisions are made. Your bartenders are gems, but our girl Chloe is a legend in her own right. She has saved me from ordering a way too expensive Japanese whiskey on many a night. I don’t even like whiskey.

Honestly, Tiny Lou’s deserves its own love letter. The menu, the atmosphere, the service—everything is on point. Each bite feels like a revelation, a moment of culinary perfection that leaves me already thinking about what I’ll try next time. You’ve perfected the art of dining.

And, of course, no love letter is complete without mentioning my true love, the Clermont Lounge—the world-famous gentleman’s club that adds just the right amount of edge to your elegance. It’s part of your story, your history, and something that sets you apart from every other hotel. The Lounge is iconic, a place where the unexpected is always expected and where Atlanta’s soul comes alive in a way that’s unforgettable. Cash only, sometimes we’re singing Karaoke, and we’re always making sure Blondie is happy.

But what truly ties it all together is your hospitality. From the moment I check in, your front desk staff are always there with a Miller High Life, ready to make sure everything is perfect. It’s the little details—how they remember my name (I have stayed there 20 times in 3 years, I suppose), ask about my day, and make sure every stay is better than the last—that keep me coming back. And the rooms? They are a sanctuary, a perfect blend of comfort and character, with touches of elegance that make me feel like I’ve stepped into my own private retreat. Each room tells a story, and no matter which one I’m in, it always feels like the best one.

Even the lobby is something special—whether it’s bustling with life or a quiet refuge after a long day, it’s the heartbeat of the hotel, a place where everything begins and ends.

You, Clermont, are more than just a place to stay. You’re a destination, an experience, a part of Atlanta that I can’t imagine being without. Every stay with you is a reminder of why I fell in love in the first place, and I’m already counting the days until I can return.

Happy 100, Clermont.

With all my love,
Toph Miller


Kamala Harris taken by Haiyun Jiang

Let’s Get Political! How To Register and Vote in Dallas

We Got Work To Do, Dallas

If we’re going to put a woman in the White House, we need to get busy. That’s right, we’re working to nominate Kamala Harris as the next President of the United States of America. Oh, you’re surprised that a lifestyle publication left in the hands of a guy named Toph is endorsing Kamala? Of course you’re not!!

Like every election, this one is the most important of our lives. If you don’t like dictatorships, jailing opponents, mass deportations, and basically destroying the fabric of our nation, then you already know the assignment.

Register to Vote

The last day to register to vote is October 7th, but don’t wait. Go to VoteTexas.com to register or check your registration.

Make a Plan

You don’t have to wait until election day to vote, but it’s way more fun. Make sure you know where your polling location is and get there early. Bring water with you, because it could be a long day. Be kind to the people volunteering and the other voters. You may not agree with them, but we’re all exercising our rights.

Why Am I Voting Kamala?

Great question! Mainly, because I value a leader who hasn’t been convicted of a felony, committed sexual assault, or incited an insurrection. But also, because I believe tax cuts on middle class will help our economy more than cuts for the wealthy. I believe that women have the right to choose. That people should be free to marry whomever they wish. I believe in investing in small businesses and entrepreneurs. And, I’ve got kids approaching college, so let’s get those costs down while we’re at it. I believe Kamala provides us with the best opportunity to achieve these goals. Also, I’m not embarrassed by her, which is important to me.

But Wait, There’s More!

Dallas, there’s more work to do. We have to get Ted Cruz up out of here. Colin Allred will represent all Texans to ensure our continued economic growth, lower the cost of healthcare, protect the border, and work to pass common sense gun laws.

And, look, I wrote this before the debate. Before I thought he’d bring up immigrants eating people’s pets, performing transgender surgeries on illegals in prisons, and even before the incredible Taylor Swift endorsement.

Texans, let’s get to work!

There’s even more you can do. Volunteer with Vote Save America to help save our democracy. You can donate, knock on doors, and phone bank for candidates. Join up and help fight the good fight!

A Note About the Photo and Photographer, Haiyun Jiang

I’m a big fan of Haiyun Jiang, a photographer based out of DC. She photographs for the New York Times and she has an unparalleled way of telling amazing stories through her lens. I highly recommend you give her a follow on Instagram. This photo was from Kamala Harris’ surprise appearance on night one of the DNC.