This week is a slim one as far as new restaurants go. The record-breaking and heartbreaking Texas winter storm has caused many established restaurants in the Greater Houston area to close temporarily. Some closed early to keep their employees safe. Others have been forced to close due to power outages, burst pipes and requirements from the City of Houston to boil all water. All of this occurring during the Valentine s Day rush, which is one of the industry s biggest money makers.
Unfortunately, many love birds decided to canoodle at home in front of the fireplace while singletons canceled their Galentine s get-togethers or plans for romantic quests. The unprecedented snowfall and freezing temperatures also ruined Mardi Gras celebrations, another Houston tradition that brings in the extra bucks for restaurants and bars.
Lefty s Famous Cheesesteaks, Hoagies and Grill, 8057 Kirby, opened December 15 with Houston Texans Chester Pitts, Roderick Johnson, Laremy Tunsil, Duke Johnson and Brandin Cooks in attendance to lend support to their teammate, Texans quarterback, Deshaun Watson. Watson, who became an owner of the brand in August this year, plans to open multiple franchises in Houston. Also on hand were Willie D and Z-Ro of the Geto Boys. President Sam Berry, CEO Allie T. Mallad and Watson are debuting Lefty s first location outside of Michigan. Berry, a 36-year-old cancer survivor, founded the fast-casual brand in 2010. It now has 23 locations in Michigan and twenty more stores are planned in the next four months including a second Houston location at 1010 Federal in January 2020. The company plans to open 150 stores across Texas.