A billionaire in the high-profile hospitality industry, Tilman Fertitta deals with his share of both sourced reports and speculation, none more interesting to date than that he is Donald Trump’s first choice to be the U.S. ambassador to Italy. "No comment, yet" he coquettishly responded to the latest PaperCity query. But Fertitta is forthcoming on the changes he is instigating in luxe River Oaks District, which he purchased last March.
As we sat down in his 30th-floor office in the Post Oak Hotel, Fertitta allowed that improvements have already begun and more are in the works. Observant shoppers and diners will notice improved landscaping and a reduction in the fading red seating areas. And there is the long list of store expansions and new tenants that have those in the retail/restaurant business buzzing.
"This is a trophy asset and it will always be in the family. So any decision we make is always going to be very long-term and never to sell," Fertitta tells PaperCity. "When you don’t have to make short-term decisions because it’s the best economically, you can always make really good decisions when they’re long-term decisions."
As a result, Fertitta is hands-on with River Oaks District, working closely with his team to ensure the property’s continued growth and success. "He’s extremely detail-oriented in every aspect of the operation," says Robert Bernard, a Fertitta director of real estate and asset manager for River Oaks District. Bernard notes that despite the number of queries from retailers coming in almost daily, "We’re being selective in who we want to go talk to in order to make this a perfect project, a perfect base to progress from."
Progress from that "perfect base" refers to the adjoining 3.4 acres at Westheimer and Westcreek, which Tilman Fertitta purchased in April and has destined to be Phase 2 of River Oaks District. "What we’re looking at is, we’re kind of starting all over. . . .We’re working on a design right now and we’re talking to certain tenants because it’s kind of a canvas right now," Fertitta tells PaperCity. "We want it to be very special."
Those who have found the decorative pinnacles that flank both the north and south entrances to the development as an eyesore can rejoice as Fertitta also finds them objectionable just as he considers the wrong-headed branding of the center from the previous owner as bad form. He intends to bring back the emphasis on River Oaks and no more labeling it as The DISTRICT. The valuable River Oaks moniker will soon have the lead position.
Fertitta’s vision for River Oaks District is one of luxury and exclusivity, with a focus on providing a five-star experience for its guests. "It’s all about quality and luxury and being the best possible," says Patrick Fertitta, director of Fertitta Entertainment. "I think the attention to detail comes from the hospitality background trying to provide a five-star experience at River Oaks District just like you would get at a five-star hotel or at a high-end restaurant. And that’s where the immediate impact is."
Indeed, as Tilman Fertitta likes to note of the River Oaks District acquisition and his highly rated Post Oak Hotel, "The two play off of each other. That’s where our customers go and shop. It’s luxury and luxury three minutes away. The top shopping district and the top hotel."
Dealing with high-profile speculation is also a fact of life for Fertitta. "Are most billionaires as subject to the rumor mill as I am?" he asks. "I would think when you’re high profile in a city, you probably are. But a lot of people aren’t in the type of businesses that I’m in. I’m in the entertainment business, restaurants, hotels, aquariums, boardwalks, sports, philanthropy, and politics."
Here are some rumors Tilman Fertitta is dispelling now:
- Toulouse is not moving out of River Oaks District. Tilman scoffs that the restaurant that earns $12 million a year is going nowhere.
- Bari will not be moving when the lease expires and Grotto will not be staking a claim there. "That’s just ridiculous," Tilman Fertitta says.
- Fertitta has no plans to place one of Landry’s restaurants in River Oaks District.
- A Landry’s restaurant in Phase 2? "If I determine that it’s more important to have somebody else there that fits it better then that’s what we’ll do," he says.
River Oaks District has welcomed a number of new retailers since Fertitta’s acquisition, including Loewe and Brioni, with first-to-Texas L’Agence and Adam Lippes opening soon. Existing store expansions are also impressive, with prestigious global luxury jewelry brands Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier both further investing in their flagship stores and expanding their footprints in River Oaks District. Van Cleef & Arpels is moving into a larger 5,100-square-foot space, opening summer 2025, while Cartier’s own expanded flagship will open around the same time.
The Fertitta team says to stay tuned for more new announcements that will be coming after the first of the year.
FAQs
Q: What is Tilman Fertitta’s vision for River Oaks District?
A: Fertitta’s vision is to create a luxury destination that offers a five-star experience for its guests, with a focus on quality, luxury, and exclusivity.
Q: What changes is Fertitta making in River Oaks District?
A: Fertitta is making improvements to the property, including new landscaping and a reduction in the number of red seating areas, as well as expanding and adding new retailers to the district.
Q: How is Fertitta involved in the day-to-day operations of River Oaks District?
A: Fertitta is highly involved in the day-to-day operations of River Oaks District, working closely with his team to ensure the property’s continued growth and success.
Q: What is the timeline for new announcements from River Oaks District?
A: The Fertitta team says to stay tuned for more new announcements, which will be coming after the first of the year.
