New Macaroni & Cheese Restaurant - Jus' Mac

[Dan the Man]

Last week I noticed someone was doing some work on the old Yale Street Coffee House building (Yale @ ~25th?). Yesterday, I noticed a sign announcing a new restaurant. I think it said something about Macaroni & Cheese, but I was driving too fast to read it. Sounds like it could be an interesting concept, maybe like those restaurants where you can order a custom omlette? Anyone have any info?

[Hartmann]

Last week I noticed someone was doing some work on the old Yale Street Coffee House building (Yale @ ~25th?). Yesterday, I noticed a sign announcing a new restaurant. I think it said something about Macaroni & Cheese, but I was driving too fast to read it. Sounds like it could be an interesting concept, maybe like those restaurants where you can order a custom omlette? Anyone have any info?

I saw that as well...

I also saw that there is a new coffeeshop/art gallery going in on 19th next to the Friends for Life shop.

[heights_yankee]

I saw that as well...

I also saw that there is a new coffeeshop/art gallery going in on 19th next to the Friends for Life shop.

not to hijack but Love Street Coffee Shop- some details from their press release (C&P from The Heights Life)

The Grand Opening is expected to be late summer of this year. 242 West 19th St.

Houston native Katy Whelan has been dreaming of opening her own coffeeshop for the past 15 years. She will be incorporating sustainable and green practices in the business, and will focus on showcasing music and art by Houston artists.

The name was inspired by Love Street Light Circus and Feel Good Machine, a Houston club open in the late 1960's that had psychedelic music with bands like the 13th Floor Elevators and The Moving Sidewalks.

[sevfiv]

Jus' Mac! I am excited!

http://www.facebook.com/jusmac

[pachanga]

not to hijack but Love Street Coffee Shop- some details from their press release (C&P from The Heights Life)

The Grand Opening is expected to be late summer of this year. 242 West 19th St.

Houston native Katy Whelan has been dreaming of opening her own coffeeshop for the past 15 years. She will be incorporating sustainable and green practices in the business, and will focus on showcasing music and art by Houston artists.

The name was inspired by Love Street Light Circus and Feel Good Machine, a Houston club open in the late 1960's that had psychedelic music with bands like the 13th Floor Elevators and The Moving Sidewalks.

cant wait to try Love Street......I went there when it was off market square in the 60's....i have a poster from there

[Heights CPA]

Jus' Mac! I am excited!

http://www.facebook.com/jusmac

Too narrow a niche. Dumb idea.

[heights_yankee]

Too narrow a niche. Dumb idea.

agree to a point. my kids will eat m'n'c daily but i am still trying to lose to the pregnancy weight so where does that leave me? i can see it being fun for families, so there they might have some success with the concept BUT i imagine it being hard to get a regular customer, so there fail.

it also makes me laugh b/c there are people in this world, like my husband, who won't eat there on principle if they serve more than just mac'n'cheese b/c the name says it's just mac'n'cheese.

[kylejack]

cant wait to try Love Street......I went there when it was off market square in the 60's....i have a poster from there

Link

Edited March 22, 2010 by kylejack

[sevfiv]

Well I'm still excited and wish them the best of luck! Sure beats a quotidian alternative (even though the food type is basic it will be interesting to see what they come up with)..

[ricco67]

Well, I hope it takes off, but it will need quite a bit of word of mouth to bring customers in for the comfort food.

I know I'd give it a shot if I was in the area.

[EMME]

Too narrow a niche. Dumb idea.

Not really. Mac n cheese can have all kinds of meats, seafood and vegetables. Has mega possibilities of pastas. Fettuccine alfredo is a sort of mac and cheese. I, for one, can't wait.

[kylejack]

I hope there's like a gourmet mac with gruyere or something...

[ricco67]

I hope there's like a gourmet mac with gruyere or something...

That would be cool.

I enjoy throwing in Beef tips and bell peppers in mine.

[Tiko]

I understand that they have this type of restaurant in Atlanta and that they're very successful.

[Jus Mac]

Hello All,

We understand some people will not totally agree with the concept and its viability but we're up for the challenge. Yes, you can do a lot with Mac and Cheese...as mentioned already. As much as I'd like to give out the full menu I'll wait till the opening date gets closer. For those that are curious though, we do have over 20 different varieties with more to come but not all will be rolled out at the same time and yes there are some gourmet versions like our "Park Avenue" (Hint-Truffle). Individuals who are watching their figures can opt for one of our salads with homemade dressings. Lets not forget about delicious desserts!

And no...this isnt your Kraft Mac and Cheese

You can follow our progress http://www.facebook.com/jusmac

[sevfiv]

^Thanks for stopping by - looking forward to seeing the menu!

[ricco67]

I'm drooling.

Seriously.

I don't know why, but I'm drooling.

[AtticaFlinch]

I'm drooling.

Seriously.

I don't know why, but I'm drooling.

It's the novacaine. Don't worry, it'll pass.

[SaintCyr]

I hope there's like a gourmet mac with gruyere or something...

We had mac and cheese (with Guyere) while visiting Guyere in Switz.... It was A-M-A-ZING! Had potatoes mixed in with it and I can see myself gaining lots of weight if they do offer it.

[Jus Mac]

Did someone mention Gruyere ...We gotcha covered and its one of my favorites. Actually they are all my favorites!

[ricco67]

Cheese is our friend.

[Fringe]

I lived on Kraft Macaroni and Cheese for over a year after I moved out of my parents house when I was a teenager. Although I can appreciate the concept, I don't think I could actually patronize such a place. Perhaps if my kids were still little but then again they enjoyed the cheap stuff just fine. 

[SaintCyr]

Too narrow a niche. Dumb idea.

I've been instructed to post this per the wife.

"Open your mind, my dear “Dumb Idea” friend. Mac n’ cheese is anything but narrow. Have you ever thought of what’s in most of Italian food dishes? Pasta, cheese, sauce…. Hmmmm… sounds a bit like the ingredients to your Plain Jane mac n’ cheese. I dare you to put on your creativity cap for a sec, and think about all the wonderful variations there could be to this fine traditional dish. Perhaps some pancetta could spice up your oversized macaroni noodles, or a different type of cheese beyond the powder and/or Velveeta (try Gouda, Grueyere, or a nice Alfredo sauce), or they might even be able to add …gasp?!... VEGETABLES?!!!

I invite you to give it a whirl. You may be surprised what others can do to open your closed minded taste buds. I’d truly hate to see you miss out…."

Mrs. D

[kylejack]

I've been instructed to post this per the wife.

lol

[Jus Mac]

I've been instructed to post this per the wife.

"Open your mind, my dear “Dumb Idea” friend. Mac n’ cheese is anything but narrow. Have you ever thought of what’s in most of Italian food dishes? Pasta, cheese, sauce…. Hmmmm… sounds a bit like the ingredients to your Plain Jane mac n’ cheese. I dare you to put on your creativity cap for a sec, and think about all the wonderful variations there could be to this fine traditional dish. Perhaps some pancetta could spice up your oversized macaroni noodles, or a different type of cheese beyond the powder and/or Velveeta (try Gouda, Grueyere, or a nice Alfredo sauce), or they might even be able to add …gasp?!... VEGETABLES?!!!

I invite you to give it a whirl. You may be surprised what others can do to open your closed minded taste buds. I’d truly hate to see you miss out…."

Mrs. D

Wow...you're wife's vision is in line with our own. The sky is the limit here and we intend to take it over the top. Yup...Vegetables is on that list

Tell Mrs. D to facebook us so we can make sure to keep a very close eye out for her when she walks through our doors and be sure to be alongside her when she does. All we ask is to allow us the opportunity to take you to places with mac and cheese you didn't think were possible.

[skwatra]

i actually just walked by a place like this in nyc a few weeks back, we were going to go but they were closed. out of curiosity i checked out the menu:

s'mac nyc

looks good to me. not sure if Just Mac will be similar, but it seems like a place i would check out and possibly frequent every once and a while if its good.

[ricco67]

i actually just walked by a place like this in nyc a few weeks back, we were going to go but they were closed. out of curiosity i checked out the menu:

s'mac nyc

looks good to me. not sure if Just Mac will be similar, but it seems like a place i would check out and possibly frequent every once and a while if its good.

THIS sounds good:

CAJUN

Nosh: $7.25

Major Munch: $10.75

Mongo: $19.00

Partay!: $47.00 If you are looking for some kick, here it is. Cheddar & Pepper Jack cheeses, andouille sausage, green pepper, onions, celery, garlic and, of course, some genuine Cajun seasoning.

I like they have the cheeseburger version, I do that from time to time.

Now I'm getting hungry.

[Heights CPA]

I've been instructed to post this per the wife.

"Open your mind, my dear “Dumb Idea” friend. Mac n’ cheese is anything but narrow. Have you ever thought of what’s in most of Italian food dishes? Pasta, cheese, sauce…. Hmmmm… sounds a bit like the ingredients to your Plain Jane mac n’ cheese. I dare you to put on your creativity cap for a sec, and think about all the wonderful variations there could be to this fine traditional dish. Perhaps some pancetta could spice up your oversized macaroni noodles, or a different type of cheese beyond the powder and/or Velveeta (try Gouda, Grueyere, or a nice Alfredo sauce), or they might even be able to add …gasp?!... VEGETABLES?!!!

I invite you to give it a whirl. You may be surprised what others can do to open your closed minded taste buds. I’d truly hate to see you miss out…."

Mrs. D

I am anything but closed minded when it comes to food. However, my comment was not a culinary one but a business one. I have evaluated hundreds of projects in over 30 years of experience and I have a good feel for what will work in the long run and what will not. It may be a short-term sensation but it will NOT go the distance if it does not expand the menu and then - it will cease to be "Jus Mac". My point will be proven either way.

A much better concept would have been "Mac n More".

Edited March 24, 2010 by Heights CPA

[kylejack]

I am anything but closed minded when it comes to food. However, my comment was not a culinary one but a business one. I have evaluated hundreds of projects in over 30 years of experience and I have a good feel for what will work in the long run and what will not. It may be a short-term sensation but it will NOT go the distance if it does not expand the menu and then - it will cease to be "Jus Mac". My point will be proven either way.

A much better concept would have been "Mac n More".

Have you read the thread? Its Jus Mac in name only. They will have salads, etc.

[Heights CPA]

Have you read the thread? Its Jus Mac in name only. They will have salads, etc.

So they are named Jus Mac but they will spend money on advertising to make the point that they are NOT Jus Mac? That is counter-intuitive at best.

I predicted the demise of McCain's Market after my first visit there.

Edited March 24, 2010 by Heights CPA

[Jus Mac]

I am anything but closed minded when it comes to food. However, my comment was not a culinary one but a business one. I have evaluated hundreds of projects in over 30 years of experience and I have a good feel for what will work in the long run and what will not. It may be a short-term sensation but it will NOT go the distance if it does not expand the menu and then - it will cease to be "Jus Mac". My point will be proven either way.

A much better concept would have been "Mac n More".

We can appreciate your input but isnt this what people thought about places that served:

Only Pizza (Name any of them)

Only Burritos (Freebirds, Mission Burrito, Bullritos)

Only Hamburgers (5 Guys Burgers)

Only Doughnuts (Shipleys)

The list goes on and on but you get the point. We look to revisit with you years down the road.

Have you ever purchased bottled water? Crazy concept considering!!!

Edited March 24, 2010 by Jus Mac

[Fringe]

How about "Not Jus Mac"? 

[Jus Mac]

So they are named Jus Mac but they will spend money on advertising to make the point that they are NOT Jus Mac? That is counter-intuitive at best.

I predicted the demise of McCain's Market after my first visit there.

Whats great is the more you talk about us the better. And we have yet spent a dime on advertising. The more you are in the dark in terms of our concept and business sense the more we will be talked about and the more word will spread. Keep up the great debating folks...we love it!

P.S.

McCains had no identity...we knew its outcome as well without ever stepping in.

Edited March 24, 2010 by Jus Mac

[SaintCyr]

So they are named Jus Mac but they will spend money on advertising to make the point that they are NOT Jus Mac? That is counter-intuitive at best.

I predicted the demise of McCain's Market after my first visit there.

I know I'll get hammered on this one but... I don't see "Noodle Houses" or "Pizza Joints" having this issue. What about Souper Salad? Seems to me it's pretty successful and sustainable. I don't see them spending money on advertising to show the fact that they have sandwiches as well to bring in business.

I'm also a bit confused how your prediction of the downfall of McCain's Market supports your point that Jus' Mac is a dumb idea? Your statement also implies that you would have to be a patron of the establishment in subject to predict its downfall, which would then lead me to believe you would discover that it isn't just Mac n Cheese. Quite the pickle we are in here.

Where it wouldn't be my first choice in business, I wouldn't venture to predict its downfall just off the name alone.

[skwatra]

to all the people saying "if my kids were still young" i don't think that's the intent. Jus Mac can correct me, but when you have a Mac and Cheese restaurant that has a lot of specialty items, its geared towards adults. kids want simple Kraft, nothing mixed in. I'm sure you can get there out, but the real drive to go here would be all the meats and veggies and special cheeses, that adults would be more interested in.

just a thought. and some more free advertising.

[Jus Mac]

I know I'll get hammered on this one but... I don't see "Noodle Houses" or "Pizza Joints" having this issue. What about Souper Salad? Seems to me it's pretty successful and sustainable. I don't see them spending money on advertising to show the fact that they have sandwiches as well to bring in business.

I'm also a bit confused how your prediction of the downfall of McCain's Market supports your point that Jus' Mac is a dumb idea? Your statement also implies that you would have to be a patron of the establishment in subject to predict its downfall, which would then lead me to believe you would discover that it isn't just Mac n Cheese. Quite the pickle we are in here.

Where it wouldn't be my first choice in business, I wouldn't venture to predict its downfall just off the name alone.

Its a great debate! Brand awareness is a vital part of any successful business and I think we're doing a bang up job in that category so far without even trying to at this point. WE love this forum!

[Jus Mac]

to all the people saying "if my kids were still young" i don't think that's the intent. Jus Mac can correct me, but when you have a Mac and Cheese restaurant that has a lot of specialty items, its geared towards adults. kids want simple Kraft, nothing mixed in. I'm sure you can get there out, but the real drive to go here would be all the meats and veggies and special cheeses, that adults would be more interested in.

just a thought. and some more free advertising.

BINGO!!! We are not out to be Chuck e Cheeses.

[ToolMan]

Reef and Max's Wine Dive have some pretty damn good mac n' cheese. I'm just throwing that out there for a little taste competition in the future.

Oh, and it's right by Boom Boom Room for a drink or three afterwards.

Edited March 24, 2010 by ToolMan

[Heights CPA]

We can appreciate your input but isnt this what people thought about places that served:

Only Pizza (Name any of them)

Only Burritos (Freebirds, Mission Burrito, Bullritos)

Only Hamburgers (5 Guys Burgers)

Only Doughnuts (Shipleys)

The list goes on and on but you get the point. We look to revisit with you years down the road.

Have you ever purchased bottled water? Crazy concept considering!!!

Every new business is convinced they have a winner, they are the next big thing, they can't fail. More than 80% are wrong.

[Fringe]

BINGO!!!  We are not out to be Chuck e Cheeses.

 May not be my cup of tea but I wish you all the luck and success in the world.  

[skwatra]

Every new business is convinced they have a winner, they are the next big thing, they can't fail. More than 80% are wrong.

more than 80%? where did you get that number from? i know its high, but its not that high.

article on restaurant failure

[kylejack]

Every new business is convinced they have a winner, they are the next big thing, they can't fail. More than 80% are wrong.

63% of statistics are made up on the spot, this one included.

[Heights CPA]

63% of statistics are made up on the spot, this one included.

That study was in very narrow geographical area. Here is an article in a restaurant trade website: http://www.foodreference.com/html/artbankruptcy.html

[RedScare]

I've made two decisions from reading this thread...

1. I'll give the mac n' cheese guys a try.

2. I'll never consult with Heights CPA on my next restaurant venture.

[skwatra]

That study was in very narrow geographical area. Here is an article in a restaurant trade website: http://www.foodreference.com/html/artbankruptcy.html

let me know when you make up a number for narrow geographical area of The Heights.

i'll come back on here and let you know what i think once i try it. looking forward to it.

[RedScare]

That study was in very narrow geographical area. Here is an article in a restaurant trade website: http://www.foodreference.com/html/artbankruptcy.html

Note that the article cited by the cpa refuted his own claim.

Recent studies show that 63 percent of business failure are the result of financial incompetence,, 16 percent lack of managerial ability, and only 10 percent skill. The rest is attributed to other factors.

The overwhelming majority of restaurant failures result not from "too narrow a niche", but from too little money, followed by lousy management. "Too narrow a niche" would be included in that 11% of factors that are too small a percentage to merit mention in the article.

[kylejack]

Yeah, I was going to go after that, but I was waiting to hear back from the author of the article on his source for the 80% figure.

[Heights CPA]

Yeah, I was going to go after that, but I was waiting to hear back from the author of the article on his source for the 80% figure.

If they respond as negatively and defensively to diners who make comments about their food or service - they will not make it a year. Otherwise, I give them 30 months. No more comments from me. We will see.

[Jus Mac]

Note that the article cited by the cpa refuted his own claim.

The overwhelming majority of restaurant failures result not from "too narrow a niche", but from too little money, followed by lousy management. "Too narrow a niche" would be included in that 11% of factors that are too small a percentage to merit mention in the article.

You my friend are exactly right as to why most restaurants do fail.

Does anyone have the stats on what the failure rate is for any business in general? I'm sure those statistics arent too favoring either.

Can you imagine where we would all be if we let stats/people dictate the decisions we make in our lives? I know for a fact its not a 80% failure rate for the restaurant business but lets entertain that for a second and give praise to those 20% that did succeed. Houston would be soooooo boring and bland without all these fantastic restaurants.

We will still welcome Heights CPA with open arms. And if he does walk thru our doors then we will chalk that one as a small win for us.

Heights CPA:

I hope you werent referring to us a being defensive or negative because we werent. We addressed your concerns and offered our own opinions.

Edited March 25, 2010 by Jus Mac

[kylejack]

I am anything but closed minded when it comes to food. However, my comment was not a culinary one but a business one. I have evaluated hundreds of projects in over 30 years of experience and I have a good feel for what will work in the long run and what will not. It may be a short-term sensation but it will NOT go the distance if it does not expand the menu and then - it will cease to be "Jus Mac". My point will be proven either way.

A much better concept would have been "Mac n More".

See, here's the problem. You said their business is doomed unless they expand the menu. You have not seen the menu, and since they have already stated that their menu is more expansive than just mac and cheese I guess that means you're saying that their business is not doomed. You said their concept was wrong. You don't know anything about their concept, only their name.

But rather than retreat from your doomed prediction after learning that they have more on their menu than mac and cheese, you pressed on, implying that they might be suffering some delusions and that 80% of restaurants fail. They met your standard! Why didn't you retract your doom prediction? Why did you press on?

House of Pies sells more diner food than they sell pies.

If they respond as negatively and defensively to diners who make comments about their food or service - they will not make it a year. Otherwise, I give them 30 months. No more comments from me. We will see.

Jus Mac said nothing disrespectful to you in this thread.