Meet Hedda Gioia Dowd of rise nº2

Today we’d like to introduce you to Hedda Gioia Dowd.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As the daughter of a French mother and an Italian American father, I spent every summer since childhood in France, where I gained an appreciation of the country and the pleasures of cooking. My mother and grandmother made savory and sweet soufflés all my life. My memory of those meals are of a dining experience that riveted all of the senses. I always marveled that I never left the table feeling overfed; just satisfied and in awe of the technique that could make something as simple as an egg into something as magnificent, yet unfussy, as the soufflé. Years ago, while reminiscing about the soufflés that my mother and grandmother made, followed by a salad and often a sweet soufflé for dessert, I thought to myself, “Why can’t we eat this way in Texas?” The concept of rise was born.

The first person I contacted about rise my was longtime friend and esteemed executive chef Cherif Brahmi. Born in Lyon, the food capital of France, Brahmi’s even temper and passion for French cooking were the winning combination that I was seeking. In him, I found a creative, thoughtful business partner and the two went to work, creating a European bistro celebrating life’s simplest pleasures.

Dream becomes reality. Today we have three rise locations in Dallas, Houston – BLVD Place, and Fort Worth, with a 4th one on the way in Austin, TX at 2117 Perseverance Rd.

Great, 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?
If it were a smooth road, everyone would do this. People laughed at my idea of bringing soufflés to Texas. Every single person told me, “You’re crazy,” “No!,” “This will never work,” “You will never raise the capital,” “You don’t know the first thing about the restaurant business,” “You picked the worst location in the shopping center.” I will end now or we will be going on forever…

Please tell us about rise nº2.
rise is an intimate salon de soufflé and wine bar designed with French influence. Our relaxed bistro focuses on the soufflé—the masterpiece of French cuisine. Our unique approach is to turn something as simple as an egg into something as magnificent, yet unfussy, as the soufflé. rise is the first of its kind, bringing the French classic to our diners in a comfortable, casual environment. At rise, our guests are family.

The soufflé can be eaten as a savory main dish (ham and Gruyère, creamed spinach, goat cheese, smoked salmon, blue cheese, truffle-infused mushroom) or as a sweet dessert (chocolate, Grand Marnier, raspberry, bread-pudding, apricot), to name a few. They’re so delicious and light… We think you’ll want both. And thanks to our cutting-edge ovens from France, made expressly for us. In the spirit of European dining, we encourage you to linger.

In addition to soufflés, rise also serves a Chariots de Fromage (the finest selection of local and artisanal cheeses from around the world), vin et champagne (flights of wine and bubbly from afar), and a classic French selection including our salad niçoises, steamed artichokes with Andrée sauce, steak & pomme de terre and our Parisian Jambon sandwiches, to name a few. Enjoy a savory soufflé while reading a recycled French or a new American classic from our in-house library. Dip your European spoon into a dessert soufflé and relish how sweet life can be. We hope rise becomes your “maison” away from home…

In every corner of our restaurants, you’ll find elements of character… little pieces of French culture and our own unique traditions. From our favorite books and Scrabble tiles to our signature French torchons, there’s something for everyone—and children love our characteristic painted frogs, Pierre & Michelle, which we hide for them to find! We invite you to come visit our restaurant and enjoy the unique experience for yourself… and please let us give you a “Thought for the Day” on your way out!

As a company, I’m the most proud of the fact that we are not only a restaurant that is here to serve our guests, we are here to be a part of the communities we serve. In each city, rise partners with various organizations such as Uplift Education, Paper for Water, Akola, Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo, The Junior League of Houston, Houston Restaurant Week, Kickstart Kids, The Hope Center for Autism, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and many more.

What role has luck (good luck or bad luck) played in your life and business?
I have started over 50 companies since I was 16 years old. I failed at all of them until this one. Never stop trying, never hear the word “no.” Always believe in yourself, especially when no one else does. Your ship will come in, it’s just a matter of when and how hard and long you’re willing to work for what you believe in.

Contact Info:

• Address: rise nº2, BLVD Place
  1700 Post Oak Blvd #290, 2nd Level
  Houston, TX 77056
• Website: https://risesouffle.com
• Phone: (713) 850-7473
• Email: hgioiadowd@risesouffle.com

Image Credit:
Courtney Perry & Olivia Twining

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