Stephan Pyles has shuttered his Flora Street Cafe to focus on consulting, tours

Dallas restaurant icon Stephan Pyles has permanently shuttered his Dallas restaurant Flora Street Cafe and its tasting table known as Fauna. The Arts District duo shut down following service last night.

“It’s a bittersweet moment to be exiting the business I have always been so passionate about, but the time has come to let the next generation of Dallas chefs and restaurateurs follow in my footsteps,” Pyles said in a statement.” I would like to thank the city and my long-time loyal patrons for such an incredible gastronomic ride. I also would like to thank the thousands of staff members I have employed, many of whom have become family, for their dedication and respect. I have certainly left the restaurant world in a better place than I found it 36 years ago.”

That’s true. Pyles was one of the city’s best mentors to a cadre of budding chefs and restaurateurs. Great guy, too, who was always willing to lend a hand, champion an important cause or help nearly anyone anytime he was asked. He won or was nominated for every big award, including a James Beard Award back when they meant something. He says he’ll continue to license his name and concepts for restaurants and remain active in No Kid Hungry and Share Our Strength.

I still pull out one of his recipes whenever I need inspiration. Cheers to you, Stephan. You are one of the city’s true culinary icons. Dallas is a better city because of you.