SilverJK Posted July 2, 2014 Share Posted July 2, 2014 Potentially. Less than 3000 s.f. it's 8 spaces per 1000 s.f., and less than 4500 s.f. it's 9 spaces per 1000 s.f.Seems like a viable solution then... perhaps a dual business Bakery and French Restaurant, (or bakery and indian restaurant like Pondicheri). Someone make this happen. = ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 The El Cantina Superior is open. Have not been. Heard typical soft opening stories. Some things are great. Service extremely slow. Some things are terrible. Word on the street is that Someburger is finally closing to make way for parking for patrons of 1111 Studewood restaurants. End of an era. I really wish someone would do like they did with Mytiburger. Buy out the business, spruce it up a bit and re-open. Of course, in this case, you would need a new location. Half the fun of Someburger was the old walk up burger stand. But the other half was the great burgers made like they used to at diners all over the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purpledevil Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 Mmm...Mytiburger, it's Myti good! Love the one on W.43rd, not so much the one on Kempwood. Definitely the end of an era if Someburger does indeed meet its demise. This is the one I grew up with, but ate a few at the Patton/Airline location over the years that it was still open. I guess after all these years, it's safe to "let the cat out of the bag" for those not in the know, so to speak... A "brown bag special" was something completely different at Someburger on E. 11th back when I was in high school, than what it ended up becoming at your local Sonic drive-in a few years later. As long as Big Burger V stays afloat, all is well in my little world. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverJK Posted July 8, 2014 Share Posted July 8, 2014 I noticed The EL had a good bit of parking available. That was nice to see. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angostura Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Lots of interesting info to be had in the TABC tax data. Cedar Creek has almost 3X more alcohol sales ($305k in the most recent month) than the next highest in 77008 (Down House, at $121k). Heights General Store narrowly outsold Torchy's ($39.9 vs $37.7). People don't tend to have wine with their Mac & Cheese (Jus' Mac did jus' $2539 in monthly alcohol sales). Yucatan Taco Stand apparently holds a license for 1001 Studewood (the Stella Sola building). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkultra25 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Word on the street is that Someburger is finally closing to make way for parking for patrons of 1111 Studewood restaurants. End of an era. I really wish someone would do like they did with Mytiburger. Buy out the business, spruce it up a bit and re-open. Of course, in this case, you would need a new location. Half the fun of Someburger was the old walk up burger stand. But the other half was the great burgers made like they used to at diners all over the country. I saw a couple of tweets yesterday that indicated that contrary to rumor, Someburger isn't closing. Very much hoping that's true, although I wouldn't be surprised to see them go as more and more deep-pocketed entities like 1111 Studewood, to quote their website, "introduce the urban lifestyle to this popular community", thus ensuring that many of the quirky, longstanding community fixtures that attracted homebuyers in the first place are shunted aside in favor of redevelopment. Irony, thy name is gentrification. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 (edited) http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/07/martinez-sedillo-to-challenge-houston-fried-chicken-icons-at-the-chicken-ranch/#24935101=0 New fried chicken restaurant coming to N. Main from Goru and Gun folks. Looks like they will beat the Liberty Kitchen folks to the punch. Their fried chicken and donuts concept that was supposed to go in the building just to the west of Liberty Kitchen was put on hold in favor of opening a Liberty Kitchen in Austin. No location has been disclosed, but there is rumor that the old Blockbuster is going to get converted into a restaurant. Not sure whether the fried chicken place or something else will go in there. Edited July 10, 2014 by s3mh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 A long time Heights restaurateur told me that commercial developments are waiting in the wings for the repaving on north Main and of a recent change of ownership of the strip center on Main. There was also more interesting gossip that I will not post. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverJK Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 Hugz and Donuts reached there Kickstarter goal too. Can't wait for them to open (as a black card and mug holder) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purpledevil Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/07/martinez-sedillo-to-challenge-houston-fried-chicken-icons-at-the-chicken-ranch/#24935101=0 No location has been disclosed, but there is rumor that the old Blockbuster is going to get converted into a restaurant. Not sure whether the fried chicken place or something else will go in there. Ironically enough, I know the owner of this building, and the various other properties he owns along Calvacade and Robbie. Not too long before Blockbuster finally pulled up their stakes, I asked him what he thought he was going to do with it next. He laughed and said, "Hell (purpledevil), I might just reopen the store!" That'd be a superb building for a small, start up restaurant. I haven't stopped by and seen them in a few months, and I think I should. You know, curiousity and all, lol. If it turns out to be legitimate and he's ok with me spilling the beans, you all will be the first to know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Maryam's Café is open in the old Crickets location on 19th st. It is supposed to be a bit like a Persian café, but the menu is mostly domestic American dishes. I have not been, but am intrigued. Friends went for breakfast and liked it a lot. Owner is usually on site and very sweet and friendly. Meanwhile, the El Cantina Superior is getting slaughtered on Yelp and other forums. It is still very early, but people have told some pretty terrible tales of food and service in the early days of the restaurant. Skinny Rita's will open very soon. Menu is up on their website: www.srgrille.com Cactus tortillas and other healthy items without calling it "fresh Mex" (thank goodness). I am very interested in trying them out once they are up and running. Looks like they have enough of an original concept to avoid getting lost in the forest of Tex Mex restaurants (new and old) in the neighborhood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TX_COLIN Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Excited to try Maryam's and Skinny Rita's. Unfortunately I can confirm that the service and food are severely sub-par at The El. The atmosphere is wonderful, and my wife and I had been looking forward to trying the restaurant during this "soft opening" process. However, bland/overcooked food, poor drinks, and slow service are hard to overlook. On Nextdoor, experiences have ranged from similar complaints to ours to food poisoning for an entire family. Hopefully things will change, but that is going to have to include some significant changes in staff and in the kitchen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted July 14, 2014 Share Posted July 14, 2014 Meanwhile, the El Cantina Superior is getting slaughtered on Yelp and other forums. It is still very early, but people have told some pretty terrible tales of food and service in the early days of the restaurant. The Heights restaurateur I know told me his clients have said the same thing. Doing Mexican food in this town is really competitive. There are too many choices in Houston and even close to the Heights for good established Mexican food joints. On a side note. It will be interesting to see what establishments move into the strip center north of Spanish Flowers once Braun redoes it. They have a good track record of turning commercial space around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted July 21, 2014 Share Posted July 21, 2014 http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/07/heights-restaurant-suddenly-closes/#25241101=0 City Oven is gone. Never went there. Didn't know anyone who did. Did go to Maryam's Cafe. The food is ok. The juice is good. They do a funny presentation with a little umbrella and colorful sugar sprinkles around the rim of the glass for the juice. The folks running the place are very nice. There is definitely a bit of a cultural disconnect between how they are running the cafe and in what most Houstonians would be comfortable with in a restaurant. The menu is just a couple of pages of a print out with only one copy by the cash register with only a little bit of info on the chalk boards above the front counter. I saw a couple of people walking by peak in and turn away. The decor and set up is a bit odd. The sandwiches are pretty western, with a little touch of Persian influence, but not much. The tea service seems to be the one thing that is pretty authentic, but I did not have any. They also have some interesting homemade ice cream flavors. I really feel like they would be a big hit if they did more Persian dishes. The Heights is saturated with Tex Mex, comfort food and Italian. Something unique would really be a hit if well done. But I also feel like Jerry Seinfeld with Babu and The Dream Cafe. Not really my place to say what they should do to succeed. Although, I hope they do. The title of this thread is still relevant, although for an entirely different reason. The neighborhood is filling up with great restaurants, but could use some more diverse offerings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 (edited) Zelko Bistro closed. Did not see that coming. Always liked it. Jamie Zelko came to the Heights when few other restaurants were interested in the neighborhood. The restaurant business can be very cruel possibly moving. Landlord has put the property up for lease, but they are still open in the mean time. Edited July 22, 2014 by s3mh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverJK Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 If true, that is a total bummer. I'm sure Zelko Bistro will stay in the heights though. I hope they find a new location soon (or work things out to maintain their lease for longer time). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/07/zelko-bistro-losing-its-home-in-the-heights/#25275101=0 Good summary of the current leasing drama. To the landlord, I would advise that a bird in the hand is better than . . . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkultra25 Posted July 22, 2014 Share Posted July 22, 2014 http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/07/zelko-bistro-losing-its-home-in-the-heights/#25275101=0 Good summary of the current leasing drama. To the landlord, I would advise that a bird in the hand is better than . . . According to Realtor Mike Huff of Berkshire Hathaway, representing the property owner, the building is for lease. He said his clients have been “working very hard over the last six months to extend the lease” to the restaurant but that “there’s been a total breakdown in communications in the last 60 days.” Translation: "We've proposed to extend the lease at double the current rent, and for reasons we can't quite fathom, this hasn't been well-received by the tenant." 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txcat84 Posted July 25, 2014 Share Posted July 25, 2014 Maryam's will be gone within three years if not sooner. Disorganized and expensive. Which is a bummer because the owners were extremely nice and energetic and the space is great. Well, I say the space is great but once Maryam's bites it, it will have become one of those weird black holes. Now don't get me wrong, my opinion from above is contingent on things staying the same. They could always get it together. Best of luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 http://houston.eater.com/archives/2014/07/31/the-heights-general-store-adds-a-new-pizzeria.php Heights General Store is scaling back the little grocery section on the first floor and turning the space into a pizzeria. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txcat84 Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 Great sign of critical thinking and willingness to adjust. (Although the opposite end of the spectrum-constant fluctuation, es no bueno for a restaurant/service).Not convinced another pizza place will go gangbusters that close to Collinas, but surely it will do better than overpriced cereal and dried Japanese seaweed snacks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bedmondson Posted August 1, 2014 Share Posted August 1, 2014 http://blogs.houstonpress.com/eating/2014/08/chef_randy_evans_talks_havens_closing_and_whats_next_for_him.php "Evans is taking the closure in stride and already making plans to open a new venture sometime in the future, possibly in the Garden Oaks/Heights area." Someone needs to use that Stella Sola space. Just saying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkultra25 Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Mmm...Mytiburger, it's Myti good! Love the one on W.43rd, not so much the one on Kempwood. Definitely the end of an era if Someburger does indeed meet its demise. This is the one I grew up with, but ate a few at the Patton/Airline location over the years that it was still open. I guess after all these years, it's safe to "let the cat out of the bag" for those not in the know, so to speak... A "brown bag special" was something completely different at Someburger on E. 11th back when I was in high school, than what it ended up becoming at your local Sonic drive-in a few years later. As long as Big Burger V stays afloat, all is well in my little world. Last weekend my wife and I needed to head up to FM1960 for an errand and wound up taking the Hardy Toll Road. On the way back into town, we stopped in at Big Burger V for lunch. I'd never been there before, but I can see them becoming a regular stop whenever I happen to be in the vicinity. Chalk up another data point in favor of the long-held Houston truism that you'll always have a good meal in a restaurant run by Greeks. My latest project is eating at all of the good burger joints in town that are somewhat off the beaten path, and Big Burger V was a fine addition to the list, so a tip of the hat to Purpledevil for mentioning them here. Next up: Cream Burger on Elgin, Champ Burger on Sampson, and Burger Park on MLK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Purpledevil Posted August 2, 2014 Share Posted August 2, 2014 Hey, I'm glad I can send a customer their way, mkultra! I've been going there for many years, even now that I live some distance away from it. The kids run it now, and they haven't missed a beat. Even Ike ripping off the roof couldn't stop the "V". Glad you and Mrs. Mkultra enjoyed it. It's not in the Heights, of course, and apologies for the thread diversion, but I highly recommend them to all HAIFers that want to enjoy a good, old fashioned, calorie laden, so greasy you've got to watch out that it doesn't fall out the bottom of the brown paper bag it comes in hamburger, then my friends, Big Burger V on Hardy is for you. It's one block north of Rittenhouse, southbound side of Hardy. Get an order of onion rings, too. You'll be glad you did. I top off my burger and rings order with a chocolate malt. I mean if you're going to splurge, you might as well go all in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 The El Cantina Superior is done. Will be interesting to see what happens next... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcook2002 Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 the sign says 'closed for utility problems' - have you heard otherwise? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 the sign says 'closed for utility problems' - have you heard otherwise? Yes, by a super reliable source. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kylejack Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Yes, by a super reliable source. Interesting. They're claiming gas leak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 (edited) Interesting. They're claiming gas leak. If my source is wrong, a histogram of their FB and Twitter posts tells much. Edited August 11, 2014 by JCR Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HAG Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 So when you say it "is done", you mean closed for good? Or just until they fix issues (ie- utilities, service, food quality, etc)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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