Dean Street is a private investment firm and operating company co-founded by Rafael Simpson and Graham Guirl. Investing its own capital, the firm takes an active role in the businesses and properties it owns, with a focus spanning the Gulf South and opportunities reaching national retail markets. Its portfolio includes real estate development, multifamily communities, boutique hotels, restaurants, consumer brands, and private growth investments. Dean Street’s work ranges from creating developments and hospitality concepts from the ground up to building products that are sold by national retailers.

The firm also includes Dean Street Studio, supported by a team across leadership, creative direction, and operations. Its listed executives and specialists include Chief Executive Officer Abeer Riaz, Executive Creative Director Deke Smith, Creative Director Austin Crane, and Director of Operations Liore Dygola. Together, Dean Street’s investment and studio capabilities reflect an approach that combines capital deployment with hands-on business and property operations. The firm’s founders and teams work across a varied portfolio, connecting investment, development, hospitality, consumer products, and creative services.