How the French brothers are reshaping Joshua Tree's desert culture
Matt and Mike French have become key figures in shaping the desert region near Joshua Tree National Park. The brothers, aged 42 and 37, own several historic venues and are expanding their influence with new projects. Their latest ventures include reviving old landmarks and launching fresh hospitality concepts.
Recently, Matt French hosted around 60 guests at his Pioneertown home to launch the High Desert Art Fair. The event featured catering from the owners of the upcoming Old Town Public Market, an organic deli and wine bar set to open in Yucca Valley. That same evening, artist Shepard Fairey performed as a DJ at the Red Dog Saloon, another venue owned by the French brothers.
The brothers already run the Pioneertown Motel, a historic site where Gene Autry once played cards, and the Red Dog Saloon, a long-standing desert bar. They are also restoring the Copper Room, a restaurant and bar at the Yucca Valley airport, once favoured by musician Gram Parsons. Looking ahead, the pair—alongside partner Eric Cheong—plan to reopen the Lord Fletcher Inn, a 1960s-style steak house in Rancho Mirage, by late 2026. Another major project, Miracle Hill, a geothermal bath house in Desert Hot Springs, is scheduled to debut at the end of 2027.
The French brothers continue to blend historic preservation with modern hospitality in the desert. Their upcoming projects, from a retro steak house to a geothermal spa, will further expand their presence in the region. These developments are set to draw more visitors to the area in the coming years.
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