What's In A Name?
In the early 2000s, the Ruibal family was brainstorming where to have brunch after church when eight-year-old Nicholas chimed in with a suggestion: "Bucket and Rope." His comment left everyone puzzled—until the lightbulb clicked. Nicholas was referring to Baby Doe’s Matchless Mine, where a bucket and rope were used to counterbalance the front door. To an eight-year-old, those were the defining elements of a memorable restaurant.
Fast forward to 2024, when the Ruibals, now joined by Victor Hugo, were searching for a name for their new restaurant in the historic Liberty National Bank Building. Ideas like The Vault, The Ledger, and The Account were floated and quickly dismissed. During the brainstorming process, the name Bucket and Rope resurfaced. Initially, it was met with hesitation, but over time, it grew on the group, eventually feeling like a perfect fit for the building’s rich history and distinctive aesthetic.
In the Kitchen
Restaurateur, Victor Hugo, has the gift of hospitality, a passion for service, and his gregarious and warm demeanor attracts his clientele wherever he goes. He spent over fifteen years between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles helping restaurant brands gain profitability and scale their business models. From overhauling beachside bistros to facilitating the early growth of The Cheesecake Factory, Victor built a solid reputation on dependability, service, and fierce work ethic. In 2008, Hugo moved his family to Dallas with the vision of opening his own restaurant one day. After managing Dallas’ premiere steakhouse, Al Biernat’s for 5 years and acting as the GM for Lombardi’s Bistro 31 in Highland Park, Hugo got his shot. In 2014, Victor Hugo’s Dining & Bar became the realization of his dream.
Victor spent 7 years serving Oak Cliff and the Dallas community, before closing his doors to bring his energy to Private Chef experiences, Consulting, and restaurant Pop-Ups. His restaurant Pop-up in Round Top, Texas has become a staple at the bi-annual Round Top Antique Show, and most recently, the First Annual Round Top Film Festival. Victor is very excited about his latest venture with Bucket & Rope.
