Today we’d like to introduce you to Franklin Dusserre.
Hi Franklin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My business partner, Dylan Petrich, and I share a history that began long before we realized it. We were born in the same hospital in Paris just a year apart, but our paths didn’t cross until we were in college in Philadelphia. After spending the early years of our careers in the high-velocity worlds of finance and private equity, we recognized a shared desire to build something tangible — something that combined our French-American heritage with a more purposeful way of living.
In early 2021, we launched French Cowboys by acquiring our first property in Wimberley during the historic Texas winter storm. It was a baptism by fire — or rather, by ice! Since then, we have grown into a vertically integrated hospitality company, meaning we handle everything from the initial design and construction to the daily guest experience. Today, our portfolio is a collection of seven boutique hotels across the Hill Country, including our most recent labor of love: the reopening of Petit Cowboy on the Comal River in New Braunfels.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been as winding as the rivers we build upon, and just as unpredictable. When you choose to restore a historic property, you aren’t simply acquiring real estate: you are becoming the steward of a legacy. That responsibility is rarely easy.
While we have navigated the sobering realities of rising interest rates and the logistical weight of modernizing aging structures, we also operate with a deep respect for the elements. The Hill Country is a land of beautiful extremes; the same rivers that draw our guests can occasionally present significant environmental challenges. We try to maintain a cool head to ensure that we are not just reacting to the landscape, but building with a rational and steady hand. We meet these challenges with empathy for the community and history we protect.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Petit Cowboy (by French Cowboys)?
We specialize in “Living Heirlooms”. We identify places with deep history and strong community ties — like forgotten landmarks that have been part of Texas summers for generations — and bring them back to life through a design-forward, modern lens. Our latest project, Petit Cowboy, is the heartbeat of this philosophy. Tucked away on the banks of the Comal River and shaded by ancient cypress trees, this 48-room retreat has welcomed guests since the 1930s. The name reflects our dual identity: “Petit” for our French roots and the intimate scale of the cabins, and “Cowboy” for the independent, timeless spirit of the Hill Country.
What truly defines our work is the balance we strike between high design and high utility. We create playful, character-filled interiors featuring custom cabinetry and kitchenettes designed for real life — for families who want to linger over a morning coffee on the porch or share a meal after a long afternoon in the river. With our new Pool House & Bar, year-round pools, and a refinished pickleball court, we have cultivated an accessible sanctuary that fills a distinct gap in the market.
On one end of the hospitality spectrum, large corporate chains can feel standardized and lacking in character; on the other, beautiful boutique properties are often inaccessible from a price standpoint. We are democratizing design by occupying that white space — offering an elevated, high-quality product while remaining approachable. We achieve this by being thoughtful and creative in our renovations: working with existing structures, allocating capital where it matters most to the guest experience, and managing overall project costs efficiently. This rational approach allows us to deliver something that feels unique and soulful while still offering a very compelling price point.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Our work is deeply rooted in the local ecosystem. Our model thrives when the local community thrives, so we prioritize sourcing talent and goods from the regions where we operate. We are always looking to collaborate with local artisans, makers, and small businesses who share our “Modern Heirloom” aesthetic.
Whether you are a traveler looking for a quiet ritual by the water, a local business open to collaborating, a property owner, or an investor interested in boutique hotel development, we invite you to be part of the French Cowboys story! Explore our properties at frenchcowboys.com and join our community on Instagram @frenchcowboyshospitality
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.frenchcowboys.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frenchcowboyshospitality/
