Chef and restaurateur Julian Rodarte exits West Dallas’ Trinity Groves restaurant development as its CEO, with “big deal” in sight

Trinity Groves Restaurant Group’s Julian Rodarte tells us he’s resigned as CEO to pursue some big national opportunities.

What’s next? “I can’t share those details just yet, but it’s a big deal,” Rodarte told us exclusively. Since opening his groundbreaking (and successful) modern Mexican restaurant Beto & Son there seven years ago, the chef and restaurateur has played a significant role in shaping the success of Trinity Groves and the West Dallas culinary scene. USA Today cited Beto & Son as one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in DFW.

Under Rodarte’s leadership, Trinity Groves expanded its culinary offerings. He created and opened Lexy’s, Nitro Burger, and Temakeria. Lexy’s offers a fusion of American and Mediterranean cuisine, while Nitro Burger specializes in smashburgers and nitrogen-chilled shakes. Temakeria, as Dallas’ first 2D restaurant, blends elements of Japanese hand rolls and Mexican tacos; we love it.

Trinity Groves positioned Rodarte for terrific national exposure. He appeared in Essentia Water commercials alongside Patrick Mahomes, represented the United States in the renowned “World Tapas Competition” held in Spain, and appeared on several Food Network shows. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him land his own television gig.

Rodarte says Trinity Groves’ owners plan to develop additional restaurants, residential apartments, office space and retail there. We’re not as sure about that — rumors have been swirling for months that bulldozers may parade that way in the next couple of years. For now, though, Art Park, Beto & Son, Cake Bar, Holy Crust Pizza, Kate Weiser Chocolate, Lexy’s, Nitro Burger, St. Rocco’s New York Italian, Sum Dang Good Chinese and Temakeria remain open.

We’re huge fans of Rodarte. He’s a great guy. We’ll miss seeing him at TG.