Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Beardon. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Chris & Mark Beardon, originally from Buckinghamshire England (UK), moved to Dallas, TX in 1999 and later attended SMU studying Economics with Financial Application. During that time at university, they began working in hospitality which turned into a passion and career. Since 2004, Chris & Mark have worked in hospitality in the Dallas area with businesses ranging from hotels, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Originally working as servers, bartenders and later into management positions, Chris & Mark have a combined 38 years of experience in the Dallas hospitality sector. In 2011, Mark joined Headington Companies to become the Director of Food and Beverage at the Joule Hotel and helped create the JH Entertainment division which included PM Nightlife Lounge, Charlie Palmers restaurant, and the exclusive Rio Room nightclub in Dallas.
With other local partners, Chris & Mark formed SBBC Hospitium, a Dallas-based hospitality group, with their first concept being Truth & Alibi in 2014. Since then, SBBC Hospitium has grown its Dallas footprint with ten stores ranging from bars, nightclubs, cocktail lounges, and restaurants including one location in Austin, Texas. Throughout their development of SBBC, Mark and Chris formed “Twinning Concepts LLC” and worked together in 2019 to acquire and revamp ‘Barcadia’ on Henderson Avenue and later opening Dahlia Bar & Bistro in 2020.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hospitality industry is a risky yet rewarding industry. A key factor when developing a new concept is to truly understand the market and what void is missing at that time. Location plays a key factor in this. As with most industries, ours struggled significantly with the Covid pandemic, fortunately we made it through intact with no closures, but the highlight was the opening of Dahlia Bar & Bistro in October of 2020. One of the most shocking hurdles post-pandemic for us was the ability to acquire new staff. Many members of the service industry moved on to other careers. We are grateful to all of our team members that have been with us along the road, many of which have been with us since day 1.
We’ve been impressed with Dahlia Bar & Bistro, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Times are changing. Appreciation for the simple things in life, like a good bowl of pasta or a glass of wine with a friend, has become essential. At Dahlia, we’re trading a night on the town, packed belly-up to the bar top, for intimate experiences with those we care to spend time with.
Dahlia Bistro & Bar offers the ambiance of your favorite restaurant or luscious patio while maintaining the quick and casual feel of your neighborhood bar – a place for everyone. The couple in the corner sharing a cheese plate on a first date. The bachelor that lives down the street grabbing a burger before heading home. A group of girlfriends catching up on the gossip while pink, floral cocktails continue to refill their glasses. Whatever the occasion, Dahlia is the answer where tradition meets the modern.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I think an enormous amount of credit is due to our team. It sounds cliche, but it is truly the backbone of the business’ success. My brother Chris and I are eternally grateful to the hard work, creativity, and contribution to the business. I am also grateful to all of our partners and investors that have helped make this journey possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dahliaonross.com
- Instagram: @dahliaonross
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dahliaonross/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dahliaonross
