The Houston Chronicle reported last week that a Braun Enterprises partnership has purchased a collection of buildings in the Montrose area in a deal that includes 1625 Richmond and 1643 Richmond, better known as Lucky Burger, Orange Bar, Maria Selma and The Harp Irish Pub. The leases all expire in 2014. “For now, we’re going to hold it for cash flows,” company president Dan Braun told the Chron. “Ultimately, we believe it will be a retail development long-term. It could be five or 10 years down the road.”
Texadelphia in Rice Village at 2420 Rice Blvd. has closed. So has Latina Cafe (1972 Fairview) and Youssef Nafaa’s siblings Mia Bella and Saffron (both at 2006 Lexington). Mandola’s Liquor Store (4310 Richmond) is closing permanently tomorrow, Saturday, October 15. But the adjacent Ragin Cajun (same Mandola ownership) will break through the space and greatly expand its space.
Phoenicia Specialty says they will open their downtown store on Monday, November 7. Yay! And The Bird & The Bear at 2810 Westheimer will officially open its doors next Thursday, October 20. It’s a partnership between Ouisie’s Table owner Elouise Adams Jones – aka Ouisie – and Wafi Dinari, her long-time GM at Ouisie’s.
We hear that John Marion Carrabba is looking at Galleria-area locations for another Piatto Ristorante. Would that mean that he’s closing the West Alabama/Post Oak Blvd. location? Or is he planning to have one casual spot and the other more upscale? Just wondering.
Finally, the city of Houston has begun to issue permits to restaurants to allow leashed dogs on the patios. Among those now holding said permits are Ziggy’s Bar & Grill (302 Fairview) and Tila’s Restaurant & Bar (1111 S. Shepherd on the curve).