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...
bedmondson Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 I am sure it is next to impossible to close down for a couple weeks and retain that large of a staff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
west20th Posted August 11, 2014 Share Posted August 11, 2014 Think I'll stay out of the restaurant business. Too crazy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BullMan008 Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 I tried Skinny Ritas on Main last week and it was great. Bar was good and the kitchen was good. A little slow but thats expected during an opening of a new restaurant. Going again this week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 I have not been to Skinny Ritas, but know a lot of folks who have. Praise has been universal and strong. Creative menu, good drinks and very vegetarian friendly/healthy without getting all caught up in the douchy "Fresh Mex" thing that is all over Austin. I did try Alli's Pizzeria. Heights General Store downsized the grocery into the hallway on the west side of the store and has dedicated the east side of the first floor to the new pizzeria. I have to say that it is very good. For $8-10, you can get a personal sized pizza that is fairly close to a Neapolitan style pizza (very thin crust). Beats Collina's pizza by a mile. It is quick too, as the pizzas are cooked under high heat and it is counter service. The do serve beer and wine, too. This is a great place to go to when you do not feel like cooking and do not want to deal with the crowds/prices of places like Down House, LKHH, etc. Also, if you just haven't been able to get high end pop up dinners from talented local chef's served in a Shell station, you will be excited to learn that your wait is over. The folks behind Down House and DT are doing a series of pop up dinners at the soul food restaurant at the Shell station on the corner of Yale and Crosstimbers. No, really. I am not making this up: http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/08/chef-richard-knight-to-inagurate-new-kipper-club-test-kitchen/#26014101=0 I have also heard that Hunky Dory/Foreign Correspondents are finally getting permits and should be breaking ground soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
west20th Posted August 21, 2014 Share Posted August 21, 2014 I have also heard that Hunky Dory/Foreign Correspondents are finally getting permits and should be breaking ground soon.Great news. It was starting to look like a failed project like the food truck lot around 16th and Shepherd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted August 22, 2014 Share Posted August 22, 2014 Restaurant Death Watch: Piatto. Anyone else notice the taped over portion on the hanging sign. Why they ever thought they could do lunch I'll never know. Most likely not doing the covers needed with that overhead. Restaurant Death Watch Reprieve: The El reopened on Wednesday. Not enough time to do a total revamp, but maybe to think about addressing issues listed on Yelp, Reddit, Google, and the Houston Press. They did seek outside expertise but no deal was executed AFAIK but maybe they will implement the free advice given. Or maybe not. Rumor mill: A fine dining joint for the north Yale area (Sunset Heights) Discussions ongoing no deal inked as of yet. GOOF: Building on CoH property and an unpermitted patio. No wonder you've been red tagged. Way to go Berryhill! Crater Heights Alliance: The Bedford/Stella Sola building. There are many reasons this place is still empty. It is so bad that very successful local restaurateurs have avoided it like the plague. And when outsider moneys who are eating up the Heights hype and overpaying for everything else are avoiding it too that just goes to show you how bad it is. The only way this property will ever be useful is tabula rasa. A gas/electrical fire would not surprise me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverJK Posted August 25, 2014 Share Posted August 25, 2014 I went to Skinny Ritas, it was pretty good. Will be a great place once the weather cools off a bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Boulevard Coffee is closing. Apparently another landlord dispute. Not the best coffee in the Heights, but great pastries and best patio. Crossing fingers that they can work this out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tanith27 Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Really sad to hear this. They seemed to be doing everything right. Place was always busy when we went. I'm a landlord and I am very content to have reduced rent in exchange for an awesome tenant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 http://swamplot.com/boulevard-coffee-is-giving-up-on-heights-blvd-after-just-7-months/2014-09-09/ I hope the Boulevard people got allowances on their lease for all the improvements they made. It is a bit disturbing to see lessees like Zelko and Boulevard pile money into improvements and then get bounced (or attempted to be bounced). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollusk Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Problems with small landlords are endemic in the restaurant/bar industry. Tenant puts in a bunch of buildout, gets visibility for what may have been a difficult space to lease out by being successful, landlord (who may not have a percentage rent agreement on what is often a relatively short term lease) decides it's now much more valuable and wants more... lots more, which then would make the tenant's business just as busy but not as successful. Persuading those landlords that pigs get fed and hogs get slaughtered can be difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 Word on Boulevard is that it was a bit more of a business divorce, but with a landlord element to it. Owner of the property did have some sort of interest in the coffee shop with a partner who ran the business. Owner is looking for someone else to open a coffee shop in Boulevard's place. Boulevard people may try to reopen in another location. https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Bird-House/689358851154810?fref=photo Meanwhile, the Houston StrEats guys opened a fried chicken takeout place in the Boil House space on 11th st. Hugz and Donuts is supposed to be ready in about a month. I wish they would just take their food truck menu and put it in a brick and motor restaurant instead of teasing us with fried chicken and donuts. I would love to be able to get the short rib sliders without having to chase the truck all over town. Finally, Barnaby's is supposed to be replacing the shuttered City Oven on White Oak. I used to like Barnaby's, but people in my office would insist on having lunch there almost every week and burnt me out on the place. The name recognition will probably help overcome the parking limitations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/09/southern-goods-a-new-project-from-charles-bishop-and-lyle-bento-set-for-the-heights/#26648101=5 Busy week in the Heights. I am tempted to say "oh, no . . . not another comfort food/southern concept in the Heights." But each version currently in the Heights is so very different (Zelko, Liberty Kitchen, Heights General Store, etc.) that there may be room for more, especially from a talented chef. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angostura Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 http://blog.chron.com/foodchronicles/2014/09/southern-goods-a-new-project-from-charles-bishop-and-lyle-bento-set-for-the-heights/#26648101=5 Busy week in the Heights. I am tempted to say "oh, no . . . not another comfort food/southern concept in the Heights." But each version currently in the Heights is so very different (Zelko, Liberty Kitchen, Heights General Store, etc.) that there may be room for more, especially from a talented chef. Opening in January probably means an existing restaurant space. Otherwise permits and build-out would take until spring or summer at least. Any chance this goes in the Stella Sola space? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
s3mh Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 Table 19 on the other side of the street on W 19th closed and the property changed hands. That is probably the only other spot in the Heights other than the old Stella Sola location that would not need an extensive build out. But, folks in the restaurant biz tend to be incredibly overly optimistic when it comes to opening dates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCR Posted September 18, 2014 Share Posted September 18, 2014 Went to the Bird House on 11th across from Buchanan's for lunch. In addition to the fried chicken they also have a chicken fried steak that was mighty tasty. They told me they are planning to do crawfish again for next season. The Boil House and Bird House are the same folks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilverJK Posted September 19, 2014 Share Posted September 19, 2014 I ate at Birdhouse the other day as well, it was pretty good. We got the family pack and it was plenty for 2 adults and a toddler. Kinda pricey for just a 2 or 3 peice though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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