Andrew

That was my mother behind the register 6 days a week. I used to run the store on Sundays, and helped out other days cooking and prep in the back when I wasn't going to school. She actually worked for Compaq prior to Charley's. My father did work for Compaq for 10+ years before being laid off, then worked at McLeod USA before retiring. Eventually, she was getting tired/burned out from working and decided not to renew the lease and retired. My aunt and uncle had the Charley's in Baybrook mall and closed for the same reason a few years back. I went on to finish 8 years of school to become an Optometrist. I certainly miss the food, and even though there is a Charley's at the Woodlands Mall, it isn't quite the same. We used a local bread company and toasted our buns on the grill and seasoned things differently. I don't miss going home smelling like food though. I'm glad you enjoyed the food and service.

Yeah, the website doesn't have any information yet. When I stopped by for happy hour, I picked up a togo menu and spoke to one of the owners and found them on facebook. Some information here: PELI PELI TO INTRODUCE A NEW DINING EXPERIENCE IN HOUSTON April 8, 2009 - Peli Peli, the much-anticipated & innovative restaurant concept offering its "Flame Pepper Fusion" cuisine, will officially open its doors on Monday, April 13, 2009 at 11:00am. Peli Peli is a new, upscale casual restaurant located at the Vintage Park shopping center in North Houston (Hwy 249 & Louetta). Guests are invited to dine under Peli Peli's 30-foot tall, one-of-a-kind Acacia Tree and illuminated sky while enjoying live jazz, avant-garde architecture, a spacious dining area, a Sunday brunch, full bar & lounge, an intimate private dining room and an outdoor patio facing the Piazza. Peli Peli's menu will feature its signature Flame Pepper Chicken which is marinated in guava, grilled over Applewood smoke and served with a variety of dipping sauces ranging from sweet to spicy. In addition to a mix of traditional American and European favorites, Peli Peli's menu includes exotic fare inspired by Chef Paul Friedman's experiences in South Africa, Europe and the United States. Peli Peli is Chef Paul Friedman's dream concept and presents a fresh, new dining experience by combining his signature Flame Pepper chicken recipe, as well as a menu made up of family recipes and personal favorites gleaned from his experiences around the world, with a line of unique dipping sauces that include sweet specials such as Passion Fruit and Mango, original favorites such as Citrus Lemon Butter and Red Wine BBQ, and of course, signature hot sauces such as the Spicy Peli Peli. In addition to this amazing blend of innovative cuisine, guests entering Peli Peli will embark on a journey that will capture their heart, soul and belly and discover an extraordinary atmosphere of live music, extravagant design and attentive staff. For more information about Peli Peli, a personal tour of Peli Peli or to make a reservation for lunch or dinner, please contact Thomas P. Nguyen at 832-259-2448 or visit www.pelipeli.com.

Funny you mention Charley's Steakery...my family owned that location for 8+ years.

Stopped by Vinter Center this past Friday, Mia Bella was pretty crowded. Peli Peli looks great and is scheduled to open 4/13/09. They are having happy hour all this week as a training process, I believe. Looking forward to trying the food.