Run-Down Mall Saved?
Country music superstar's new Houston restaurant aims to save a run-down mall: It's American flag time
Bar/restaurant/nightclub Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill opened its first Texas location at West Oaks Mall on Friday. Two years in the making, the massive 27,500 square foot venue seats 500 diners for lunch and dinner and features a 1,550 concert theater.
As planned, a 95-foot, guitar-shaped bar is the restaurant's signature design element. And, lest diners forget what country they live in, a 90-foot long replica of Keith's signature American flag guitar hangs over the bar as well. In the mood for a little less talk and a lot more action? Head to the 3,000 square foot dance floor. Bands will play two types of music: Country and Western.
DadBoner devotees will find a lot to love on the menu. Check out the bold, all American flavors of the Toby's Platter that brings together nachos, fried pickles spears, wings and fried mac and cheese triangles. On the sandwich side, the fried bologna is described as "Toby's favorite," and, of course, the six different burger options include the "Should've been a cowboy" topped with onion rings and barbecue sauce.
Bands will play two types of music: Country and Western.
Hopefully, service is friendly without any "Angry Americans"on staff who'll put a boot in your ass if you ask for too many refills.
West Oaks Mall general manager Tony Daniel tells CultureMap the opening gives the mall "another great entertainment venue" to supplement the 14 screen Edwards Theater that opened a couple years ago. Daniel also cites the addition of the 500 student Fortis College campus as another positive change at the mall.
Daniel says he's "really close" to lease agreements with additional restaurants to help fill out the previously dilapidated property.
With I Love This Bar & Grill and some other new tenants, West Oaks is firmly on the path to being as good as it once was.