The Heights Restaurant And Bar Scene - More Coming

[IntheKnowHouston]

15 hours ago, j_cuevas713 said:

Those developers to my understanding haven't been complete dick's to existing businesses in the area. Andy's Home Cafe was treated unfairly for no reason other than Wolf Capital Partners felt like they could step all over them. And why didn't WCP try leasing to a local business and not a chain? Nobody is arguing that these other developers haven't helped reshape the Heights, but there are developers that take much more consideration to the neighborhood their affecting than others. Do you work for WCP? 

You're right. To your understanding you don't know whether other developers or landlords do right by their tenants or not. There are many things the general public aren't privy to. 

As for treatment to existing businesses in the area, do you mean property owners allowing other businesses to use property that is owned by another party? That seems to be where most of you dislike of Wolf Capital Partners is coming from, which seems to stem from the Chronicle's one-sided news coverage of Andy's Home Cafe no longer having access to a large parking lot. If so, the bottom line is that's business and capitalism. 

And really, I'm not going to go any further than that. I've discussed this in the topic about the property Andy's owns. 

To be clear, my initial comment was to your post which seemed to place blame of Alice Blue's impending closure on Wolf Capital Partners (you quoted SMH's entire post which was mainly about the restaurant's closure - if you were only talking about Starbucks, you should have quoted that part alone). And your post seemed to imply that some, if not many, of the closures and changes in the Greater Heights lay at the feet of Wolf Capital Partners.

In the case of Alice Blue, the restaurant owner decided not to renew her lease. Instead of running a restaurant, the owner wanted to enjoy their life and spend more time with their family.

And it should be noted, Wolf Capital Partners is not the restaurant's landlord, Asana Partners is. And to my previous post, Asana Partners owns a large amount of retail property in the Heights area, mostly acquired from Radom Capital. Based on a few conversations from those renting from Asana Partners, in addition to posts someone affiliated with Collina's shared on social media, the out-of-state developers are viewed as horrible landlords. Whether or not that's true, I can't be certain other than taking those tenants at their word. What I do know is some of the small businesses operating on Asana Partners-owned properties are seeing their rent skyrocket. Some claim they feel they're being pushed out in favor of a chain. If true, it's possible there may be a wave of locally-owned businesses closing in the months or years ahead.   

As for Wolf Capital Partners, it seem you're reaching to paint them as big bad developers who are bringing in retail chains, mainly a Starbucks. And we don't even know if this Starbucks is a franchised location or not. Franchised stores are licensed by people living in the community.

You are aware Wolf Capital Partners is a small local commercial real estate development firm, right? They're not a conglomerate by any means. And you do know they own another retail center on 11th Street, right?

Following the other 11th Street property's acquisition, Wolf Capital Partners leased the spaces to local businesses. In fact, a glance at Wolf Capital Partner's portfolio shows a majority of their tenants are locally owned businesses. Not only that, most of the properties have been rehabbed, which have contributed to the neighborhood's aesthetic. Yes, Bluestone Lane's outpost in the Heights is somewhat of a chain; however, the business was already operating there when Wolf purchased the property. Now, as for the rents, tenant improvements, and other details, that I can't speak to because I don't know anything about it.

Still, it seems to me, from the outside looking in, Wolf is not the big bad wolf some are painting it to be, yourself included.

Retail chains are inevitable, especially in desirable areas like the Greater Heights. And as an area becomes more desirable through additional residential, greenspaces, and businesses moving in, property taxes skyrocket. And with high property taxes, rents can be astronomical.

Many small and local businesses can't afford the astronomical rents in the Greater Heights area (and for that matter, inside the Loop and desirable suburban areas). And many small businesses don't have wealthy investors bankrolling them.  But retail chains can afford the rent. It's why we're seeing an increase in chains and a decrease in local retail. The case can also be made that many people are forgoing shopping or doing other business in person, opting for online services. The same goes for office space rentals. 

I don't know, it just seems there are a lot of factors at play when it comes to the overall commercial landscape in the Heights and inside the Loop. In that regard, maybe it's unfair to place much, if not all, of the blame on one developer because of one property that is being leased to global coffee chain that may or may not be a franchise location.

Edited January 27 by IntheKnowHouston

[j_cuevas713]

5 hours ago, IntheKnowHouston said:

You're right. To your understanding you don't know whether other developers or landlords do right by their tenants or not. There are many things the general public aren't privy to. 

As for treatment to existing businesses in the area, do you mean property owners allowing other businesses to use property that is owned by another party? That seems to be where most of you dislike of Wolf Capital Partners is coming from, which seems to stem from the Chronicle's one-sided news coverage of Andy's Home Cafe no longer having access to a large parking lot. If so, the bottom line is that's business and capitalism. 

And really, I'm not going to go any further than that. I've discussed this in the topic about the property Andy's owns. 

To be clear, my initial comment was to your post which seemed to place blame of Alice Blue's impending closure on Wolf Capital Partners (you quoted SMH's entire post which was mainly about the restaurant's closure - if you were only talking about Starbucks, you should have quoted that part alone). And your post seemed to imply that some, if not many, of the closures and changes in the Greater Heights lay at the feet of Wolf Capital Partners.

In the case of Alice Blue, the restaurant owner decided not to renew her lease. Instead of running a restaurant, the owner wanted to enjoy their life and spend more time with their family.

And it should be noted, Wolf Capital Partners is not the restaurant's landlord, Asana Partners is. And to my previous post, Asana Partners owns a large amount of retail property in the Heights area, mostly acquired from Radom Capital. Based on a few conversations from those renting from Asana Partners, in addition to posts someone affiliated with Collina's shared on social media, the out-of-state developers are viewed as horrible landlords. Whether or not that's true, I can't be certain other than taking those tenants at their word. What I do know is some of the small businesses operating on Asana Partners-owned properties are seeing their rent skyrocket. Some claim they feel they're being pushed out in favor of a chain. If true, it's possible there may be a wave of locally-owned businesses closing in the months or years ahead.   

As for Wolf Capital Partners, it seem you're reaching to paint them as big bad developers who are bringing in retail chains, mainly a Starbucks. And we don't even know if this Starbucks is a franchised location or not. Franchised stores are licensed by people living in the community.

You are aware Wolf Capital Partners is a small local commercial real estate development firm, right? They're not a conglomerate by any means. And you do know they own another retail center on 11th Street, right?

Following the other 11th Street property's acquisition, Wolf Capital Partners leased the spaces to local businesses. In fact, a glance at Wolf Capital Partner's portfolio shows a majority of their tenants are locally owned businesses. Not only that, most of the properties have been rehabbed, which have contributed to the neighborhood's aesthetic. Yes, Bluestone Lane's outpost in the Heights is somewhat of a chain; however, the business was already operating there when Wolf purchased the property. Now, as for the rents, tenant improvements, and other details, that I can't speak to because I don't know anything about it.

Still, it seems to me, from the outside looking in, Wolf is not the big bad wolf some are painting it to be, yourself included.

Retail chains are inevitable, especially in desirable areas like the Greater Heights. And as an area becomes more desirable through additional residential, greenspaces, and businesses moving in, property taxes skyrocket. And with high property taxes, rents can be astronomical.

Many small and local businesses can't afford the astronomical rents in the Greater Heights area (and for that matter, inside the Loop and desirable suburban areas). And many small businesses don't have wealthy investors bankrolling them.  But retail chains can afford the rent. It's why we're seeing an increase in chains and a decrease in local retail. The case can also be made that many people are forgoing shopping or doing other business in person, opting for online services. The same goes for office space rentals. 

I don't know, it just seems there are a lot of factors at play when it comes to the overall commercial landscape in the Heights and inside the Loop. In that regard, maybe it's unfair to place much, if not all, of the blame on one developer because of one property that is being leased to global coffee chain that may or may not be a franchise location.

I completely understand the different variables that drive small business' out of their neighborhoods. I'm also aware of where Wolf Capital Partners is located. Regardless of how small the developer is they had no right not giving Andy's Cafe access to their adjacent section of alleyway just because they now owned the property. This wasn't solely about parking which was also an avoidable situation. I could care less how many small businesses' Wolf Capital Partners has leased to. It only takes one moment of bad business to ruin a reputation, and that goes for any type of business. At the end of the day Wolf Capital cares about their bottom line. So it makes sense why they leased to a chain. Making the excuse of "well small businesses' are just gonna have to leave because they can't afford it anymore" is a dumb argument. That's where community land trusts come in to play. Not sure what your allegiance to WCP's is, just as you listed, there are a ton of other developers who have done a better job considering the community and neighborhood they are building in. Let's also not act like there aren't a ton of developers building shitty strip malls in some of the densest parts of town for a quick buck. 

Edited January 28 by j_cuevas713

[Ross]

14 hours ago, j_cuevas713 said:

I completely understand the different variables that drive small business' out of their neighborhoods. I'm also aware of where Wolf Capital Partners is located. Regardless of how small the developer is they had no right not giving Andy's Cafe access to their adjacent section of alleyway just because they now owned the property. This wasn't solely about parking which was also an avoidable situation. I could care less how many small businesses' Wolf Capital Partners has leased to. It only takes one moment of bad business to ruin a reputation, and that goes for any type of business. At the end of the day Wolf Capital cares about their bottom line. So it makes sense why they leased to a chain. Making the excuse of "well small businesses' are just gonna have to leave because they can't afford it anymore" is a dumb argument. That's where community land trusts come in to play. Not sure what your allegiance to WCP's is, just as you listed, there are a ton of other developers who have done a better job considering the community and neighborhood they are building in. Let's also not act like there aren't a ton of developers building shitty strip malls in some of the densest parts of town for a quick buck. 

Andy's was a terrible restaurant. We went there once on the recommendation of others and left after 20 minutes of not being seated or even talked to by the staff. The space was dirty and smelled bad. No great loss.

If you don't own your access or parking, you don't control your future.

[s3mh]

They will have big shoes to fill and don't have nearly as good a location, but bagels are coming back to the (greater) Heights.  Brazos Bagel is coming to the odd little strip center at Durham and Larkin just north of the I-10 feeder.  It will be where Nourish and Kalos used to be.  And if you were wondering, Tins at the other end of the strip is a fancy Omakase restaurant.  

 

https://www.brazosbagel.com/

[j_cuevas713]

On 1/28/2024 at 11:17 AM, Ross said:

Andy's was a terrible restaurant. We went there once on the recommendation of others and left after 20 minutes of not being seated or even talked to by the staff. The space was dirty and smelled bad. No great loss.

If you don't own your access or parking, you don't control your future.

That's the most Houston response ever "If you don't own your access or parking, you don't control your future."

[Ross]

2 hours ago, j_cuevas713 said:

That's the most Houston response ever "If you don't own your access or parking, you don't control your future."

It's not wrong, though, is it?

[hbg.50]

29 minutes ago, Ross said:

It's not wrong, though, is it?

Wolf Capital Partners shafted Andy's for sure.   On the other hand I don't think that is the only reason Andy's shut down (or moved).  They had been in that crappy location forever. 

To my knowledge it was always a "seat yourself" restaurant.  I miss their breakfasts.  That's all I ever ate there.   

The place I REALLY miss is DaCapo's.  It's a DOG bakery now!  🤬

[j_cuevas713]

16 hours ago, Ross said:

It's not wrong, though, is it?

Just because it's true in this city doesn't make it right. You can't have a walkable neighborhood and then at the same time put businesses in a spot where they're almost completely dependent on drivers to supply their business. If you create an environment geared around people, then businesses don't have to worry about how much parking they have because access to their business for all neighborhood users will be evenly spread out. I'm not anti-car or driving but this city forces businesses to depend on car traffic to supply their bottom line. That's why other cities like Chicago and NY can thrive even in the middle of the office market collapsing. I'm not saying they don't have their problems as well but access for everyone, not just drivers, is important.

[Ross]

35 minutes ago, j_cuevas713 said:

Just because it's true in this city doesn't make it right. You can't have a walkable neighborhood and then at the same time put businesses in a spot where they're almost completely dependent on drivers to supply their business. If you create an environment geared around people, then businesses don't have to worry about how much parking they have because access to their business for all neighborhood users will be evenly spread out. I'm not anti-car or driving but this city forces businesses to depend on car traffic to supply their bottom line. That's why other cities like Chicago and NY can thrive even in the middle of the office market collapsing. I'm not saying they don't have their problems as well but access for everyone, not just drivers, is important.

Andy's was in one of the most walkable parts of Houston, and still needed people in cars to succeed. That is not going to change anytime soon, changes will occur incrementally over time.

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 1/27/2024 at 8:38 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

I completely understand the different variables that drive small business' out of their neighborhoods. I'm also aware of where Wolf Capital Partners is located. Regardless of how small the developer is they had no right not giving Andy's Cafe access to their adjacent section of alleyway just because they now owned the property. This wasn't solely about parking which was also an avoidable situation.

I have no ties to Wolf Capital Partners. Also, I don't know anyone involved with Andy's Home Cafe. I'm only looking at this as an outsider, just like everyone else here commenting on this.

To your point, yes, Wolf Capital Partners had every right to deny Andy's Home Cafe access to its parking lot and alleyway. You may not like it because you deem it not neighborly or whatever personal feelings you seem to harbor for the restaurant; however, it doesn't make Wolf Capital Partners any less wrong. It's Wolf Capital Partners' right to refuse to arrange or lease usage of their property to another business if they see fit. That's business. That's capitalism.

As pointed out in the topic for the Andy's Home Cafe property, lots of businesses do more with less; moreover, restaurants and bars. Many businesses in the area have minimal parking spaces too. Guess what? They are able to survive and thrive. Some may have faced other issues Andy's claims to have faced. Guess what? Lots of those businesses made it work for them. And many are still operational in their current spaces.

I'd bet there were other factors at play for Andy's choosing to close its location. The lack of a parking lot and access to the alley likely weren't the only ones.

The biggest thing Andy's had to its advantage is its location. Residents could easily walk or bike there. It was also across from a middle school.

If you go to the topic pertaining to the building and property it was located, I pointed out various ways Andy's could have made it work. Most of the suggestions would have been at a minimal cost to them.

Perhaps one of the driving factors for Andy's choosing to close its longtime location is there are better restaurants to choose from. It may have been good in its heyday or many people didn't have much to choose from, but things change over time. Nowadays there are lots of Tex-Mex and regional Mexican restaurants serving great tasting food. And some have minimal parking too. To compete, some restaurants may work on their menu, business model, or upgrade their space if needed. Others may not have to do much of anything.

At the end of the day, land and insurance is astronomical these days. And as you and I know, this is especially so in the Heights. To solely place blame on Wolf Capital Partners for Andy's Home Cafe choosing to close its longtime location, is, at best, fallacious and short-sighted, in my humble opinion. 

Edited January 31 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 1/27/2024 at 8:38 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

I could care less how many small businesses' Wolf Capital Partners has leased to. It only takes one moment of bad business to ruin a reputation, and that goes for any type of business.

First, you're complaining about Wolf Capital Partners being horrible developers because they're bringing in a chain (that may or may not be franchised.) You continue to laminate about them being bad to small business while protesting the company for leasing to two chain retailers occupying the property next to Andy's former home.

Yet when it's pointed out majority of Wolf Capital Partners are small and local businesses, you could care less. Well, it does matter since it undercuts your complaints about the developer leasing to one business, a chain, you seem to dislike.

You went on and on about the company not working with or for small and locally-owned businesses. But now it doesn't matter to you when majority of their tenants are just that? 



 

On 1/27/2024 at 8:38 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

At the end of the day Wolf Capital cares about their bottom line.

You're right. Wolf Capital Partners care about their bottom line. And guess what? So does every business, no matter if it's a restaurant, bar, retailer, or any other kind of business. A business can't survive if it doesn't care about its bottom line. I mean, this is the United States of America after all. Capitalism is king. 
 

Edited January 31 by IntheKnowHouston

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 1/27/2024 at 8:38 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

Making the excuse of "well small businesses' are just gonna have to leave because they can't afford it anymore" is a dumb argument. That's where community land trusts come in to play.

Oh, my apologies. I didn't know discussions on a public forum - a forum such as this one where we're encourage to engage in healthy debates with facts and opinions - warrants someone's comment to be called disparaging names. Noted.

And really, is my comment any less relevant than yours? Let's see, so far you've stated this about the same developer (while not touching on anyone else; which could also warrant the question: Are you employed by Andy's Home Cafe or have some familial or financial ties to them?):

 

• On 1/25/2024 at 12:50 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

  Wolf Capital Partners are the issue. They don't give a damn about the neighborhood, just a quick buck

  
   

• On 1/26/2024 at 11:44 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

  Andy's Home Cafe was treated unfairly for no reason other than Wolf Capital Partners felt like they could step all over them

 

 

 

• On 1/26/2024 at 11:44 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

  And why didn't WCP try leasing to a local business and not a chain?

 

• On 1/27/2024 at 8:38 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

  Regardless of how small the developer is they had no right not giving Andy's Cafe access to their adjacent section of alleyway just because they now owned the property.

And on and on.

The fact is the Heights and nearby neighborhoods, along with other inner loop areas are desirable. With that desirability comes high property values and astronomical rents which ALL property owners/landlords charge. And since it's cost prohibitive for many to purchase land inside desirable areas in the loop, many decide to rent if they can afford it. If someone can't afford the rent, they go somewhere else. Plain and simple.

To continue to groan about one particular developer and one tenant they chose to lease to, while willfully ignoring other developers or things because they don't fit the narrative you want to paint, is your prerogative. It's also Wolf Capital Partners' and other developer's prerogative to lease to whomever they want within the confines of the law. It's also renters prerogative whether or not they make the decision to pay high rent in order to operate in areas like the Heights. 



 

On 1/27/2024 at 8:38 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

That's where community land trusts come in to play.

  
Community land trusts are good solutions. And that may work in Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Near Northside, or neighborhoods within and outside the beltway. But will this work to bring a large number of small and local businesses to the Heights or a handful? At the end of the day, with more properties owned by developers (whether they are small or big, local or not), the more it's likely retail chains and other chain will move in because they can afford the rent.

[j_cuevas713]

5 minutes ago, IntheKnowHouston said:

Oh, my apologies. I didn't know discussions on a public forum - a forum such as this one where we're encourage to engage in healthy debates with facts and opinions - warrants someone's comment to be called disparaging names. Noted.

And really, is my comment any less relevant than yours? Let's see, so far you've stated this about the same developer (while not touching on anyone else; which could also warrant the question: Are you employed by Andy's Home Cafe or have some familial or financial ties to them?):

 

• 
   

•  

 

 

 

•  

 

•  

And on and on.

The fact is the Heights and nearby neighborhoods, along with other inner loop areas are desirable. With that desirability comes high property values and astronomical rents which ALL property owners/landlords charge. And since it's cost prohibitive for many to purchase land inside desirable areas in the loop, many decide to rent if they can afford it. If someone can't afford the rent, they go somewhere else. Plain and simple.

To continue to groan about one particular developer and one tenant they chose to lease to, while willfully ignoring other developers or things because they don't fit the narrative you want to paint, is your prerogative. It's also Wolf Capital Partners' and other developer's prerogative to lease to whomever they want within the confines of the law. It's also renters prerogative whether or not they make the decision to pay high rent in order to operate in areas like the Heights. 



 

  
Community land trusts are good solutions. And that may work in Oak Forest, Garden Oaks, Near Northside, or neighborhoods within and outside the beltway. But will this work to bring a large number of small and local businesses to the Heights or a handful? At the end of the day, with more properties owned by developers (whether they are small or big, local or not), the more it's likely retail chains and other chain will move in because they can afford the rent.

Here I got an idea, why don't you email the Mayor about his proposal to remove safety improvements on Houston Ave. Hopefully you can agree this is a mistake because this discussion is going nowhere and I'm ok disagreeing with you. I'll go a step further and say I don't care if I'm wrong. So be it. 

Edited January 31 by j_cuevas713

[hindesky]

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 1/31/2024 at 5:26 PM, j_cuevas713 said:

Here I got an idea, why don't you email the Mayor about his proposal to remove safety improvements on Houston Ave.

Sure thing.

[hindesky]

When Zac Wilson opened Brazos Bagel Feb. 1 near the Heights, he couldn’t have asked for a better debut: Customers waited in line before 7 a.m. to order his bagels. There was social media buzz and news coverage. The shop sold out of its inventory within hours.

Less than a week later, Brazos Bagel is closed and no longer operating out of the shop at 2155 Durham.

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/article/brazos-bagel-houston-closed-18653084.php

[hindesky]

Last week, pop-up bagel purveyor Brazos Bagel opened a brick-and-mortar location in the Heights to much acclaim. But six days after opening, the bagel shop temporarily closed after its partners severed ties.

n an Instagram post, Brazos Bagel founder Zac Wilson announced the sudden closing.

“As of this morning, we are working to find a new home,” read the post, adding that bagels would still be available at the location, but that they would not be made by Wilson and Brazos Bagel. 

The abrupt news shocked Heights fans, who responded with condolences and confusion.

“Woah, wait, what??!!” read a comment on the shop’s Facebook page. “I’m so confused.” said another fan on Instagram.

Still, others encouraged the bagel baker. “On to better things!!! Cannot wait to visit wherever your new home will be!”

Despite the setback, Wilson's Brazos Bagel will still sell its wares throughout the city. In the post, Wilson also listed partners stocking his famous bagels, including the Old Sixth Ward market Henderson & Kane and Humble’s Fall Creek Farmers Market. Wilson hopes to reestablish a Brazos brick-and-mortar in the Greater Heights area soon, promising to keep fans updated whenever possible.

Brazos Bagel, the shop, opened Feb. 1 in the Heights at 2155 Durham Dr. Excited patrons queued out the door to snatch dozens of hand-rolled bagels, causing the store to sell out daily. Brazos on Durham had been a partnership between Wilson, real estate broker Robert Martinez and other partners, but after Wilson’s exit, the location is now solely operated by Martinez and his associates after a falling out over contractual obligations.

Martinez and his co-partners aimed to bring a bagel shop to the Heights as they felt the neighborhood was sorely lacking an option, and their concept was originally called Space City Bagels. But they needed a bagel maker, so they reached out to Wilson, whose Brazos pop-ups and products sold at local businesses had gained a devoted audience over the years. 

Martinez alleges that his contract with Wilson, which Wilson approved, required the baker to produce 60 -dozen (720) bagels daily, equal to 20 dozen every 3 hours. 

Instead, Martinez alleges, Wilson failed to uphold contractual obligations and was unable to produce the promised 60-dozen bagels daily.

“He’s wonderful at farmers’ markets and the little stuff he does on the side,” Martinez said to Chron. “But he kept doing all that and leaving us on the backside to run out of bagels at 8:30 in the morning. It’s not a good business model.”

Martinez also alleges that Wilson was in charge of hiring and training staff at the shop. But Martinez says Wilson never trained the workers he hired.

Chron reached out to Wilson for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

The Brazos Bagel brick-and-mortar location attempted to work out the kinks over the weekend, after a rocky few first days. As reported by the Houston Chronicle, Wilson and the Brazos Bagel team made over 60-dozen bagels during the opening weekend. But the inventory wasn’t enough to satiate customers, who bought up everything.

https://www.chron.com/food/article/brazos-bagel-closure-18653304.php

 

[hindesky]

The Planning Commission approved the 3' building line for Fusion Taco at 4706 N. Main St.

[j_cuevas713]

Wow that's a nice improvement

[IntheKnowHouston]

Harold's announced it is closing its doors this weekend after ten years. According to CultureMap, the restaurant's last day is Sunday, March 4.

The restaurant primarily served Southern fare at 350 W 19th St, Suite C.


https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/staple-heights-restaurant-closing-this-weekend-after-10-years-on-19th-st/

[IntheKnowHouston]

On 10/4/2023 at 9:58 AM, IntheKnowHouston said:

Houston Chronicle reports on Harold’s consolidating its two-story restaurant space. The restaurant will operate on the first floor. As for the second floor and terrace space, a new restaurant concept is leasing it.

...The Harold’s terrace restaurant space will be leased to operators who are planning a new restaurant called Blue Tuba Euro-Tex Cuisine, opening in the new year...

https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-culture/restaurants-bars/article/harold-s-heights-houston-18405787.php

In addition to coverage of Harold's closing its restaurant space at 350 W 19th St, Ste C, CultureMap also provides an update on Blue Tuba's opening.

Blue Tuba is an Euro-Tex restaurant taking over the second floor and terrace space previously occupied by Harold's. The restaurant was announced last fall. According to CultureMap, Blue Tuba anticipates opening in March at 350 W 19th St, Suite E.


The upstairs space is expected to reopen next month under new ownership as Blue Tuba, which is described as serving “Euro Tex cuisine.” 

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/staple-heights-restaurant-closing-this-weekend-after-10-years-on-19th-st/

 

Edited February 27 by IntheKnowHouston

[s3mh]

The realtor on the first floor is also moving out.  I would guess that the first floor space could be put back together into a single restaurant space like it was when it was Heights General Store.  

[springcityparts]

Circa Real Estate is moving to 11th Street

[BigRed]

This may be dumb, but whats euro-tex food?

[IntheKnowHouston]

6 hours ago, BigRed said:

This may be dumb, but whats euro-tex food?

I'm not sure what Blue Tuba's version of Euro-Tex will be. Maybe if you send them a DM on Instagram, they can answer your question.

[IntheKnowHouston]

Blue Tuba shared a teaser exterior photo to its social media earlier today. 

The Euro-Tex restaurant occupies the second floor and terrace space previously home to Harold's. Blue Tuba aims to opening next month at 350 W 19th St, Ste E.


https://www.instagram.com/p/C367ElbuU0F

[IntheKnowHouston]

Blue Tuba uploaded a video last evening showing the restaurant's remodeling process. The video was posted to their Instagram and Facebook pages.

I didn't take any screenshots. However, if anyone is interested, you can visit the link below to view the video.

Blue Tuba is an Euro-Tex restaurant located at 350 W 19th St, Suite E. It takes over the second floor and terrace space previously occupied by Harold's. The restaurant could open this month.


https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4pA5seOFwr

[IntheKnowHouston]

@Urbannizer @Triton please modify the title to the name @hindesky originally posted when he created this topic: Point Break. He didn't include an address because the bar hasn't disclosed it. Also, there are no permits or other filings for this.

As usual, Highrise Tower edited the title and included the wrong information. He scanned this topic and saw one mention of 1400 W 20th St and ran with it not reading the comment in full...like he does so many other topics where he modifies the titles:

On 11/22/2023 at 10:51 PM, IntheKnowHouston said:

Point Break also claims it's in the final building stages. But there are no building permits on file indicating any work on a two-story club, bar, lounge, or restaurant that's 9,750 or 10,000 sf in Shady Acres, The Heights, or anywhere nearby.

The only bars or large properties (where a bar is possibly going in) that  I know of in the Shady Acres area are:

• The property at 1400 W 20th St is over 12,000 sf. It was recently sold and then listed for lease. So, Point Break isn't opening there.
   
• And the other large property in the Shady Acres area is Blvd Park. Cle Group owns the property where Blvd Park is currently under construction.

The bar's not located there. 

Point Break hasn't released the address. Also, there are no permits or other records for the bar with its address.

HT's unwarranted and unnecessary edits are a problem myself and several other members (including the OP) complain amongst each other. 

Edited March 26 by IntheKnowHouston

[springcityparts]

Noticed Google Maps showed a listing for Sunday Press 

could it be that they’re opening a location at this address?

[IntheKnowHouston]

CultureMap published an article earlier today on Blue Tuba. It is an Euro-Tex restaurant located at 350 W 19th St, Suite E.

The article doesn't cover the restaurant's remodel, but it does provide further insight into the eatery's concept. Also worth noting, the article also details some hurdles the owners encountered finding a space to lease. 

https://houston.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/inventive-new-heights-restaurant-blends-european-flavors-with-texas-traditions/