Ready to Help

How Houston restaurant owners can win the COVID-19 insurance fight

When COVID-19 became a full-blown pandemic in March 2020, restaurants were suddenly faced with a choice: pivot to take-out, or close completely until the government deemed it safe to reopen.

While nonprofits instantly sprang up to help those in the food and beverage industry continue to provide for their employees, restauranteurs felt safe in the knowledge that they had insurance.

Prior to the pandemic, many businesses had already purchased insurance policies covering "business interruption" — coverage that protects businesses that suffer losses after a disaster. However, insurance companies across America are denying businesses their rightful business interruption coverage resulting from COVID-19.

That's where Matthews & Associates is stepping in to help. Their experienced team of lawyers have joined efforts with Freese & Goss and The Flores Law Group to help American businesses recover from their losses.

They all agree that it's unacceptable that the restaurant industry, the country's second largest employer, is being abandoned after spending thousands of dollars in premiums for coverage that should be kicking in right when they need it the most.

"The coronavirus pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge for the restaurant industry across our state," says attorney David Matthews. "As a result, we have taken on several pandemic-related cases. Businesses are taking their claim exclusions or insurance company denials at face value, and they shouldn't — coverage, especially in this case, is subject to legal interpretation. We are here to help restaurants throughout the state of Texas get what they might rightfully deserve."

Restaurant owners may be entitled to compensation for insurance coverage. The Matthews & Associates team can help restaurant owners determine if their claim is valid, and if so, help them fight to be awarded the insurance money they deserve.

Questions? Head here for a list of FAQs, where you can also request a free case evaluation. You can also call the office at 888-520-5202 or send an email to businessclaims@dmlawfirm.com.

The Matthews & Associates team.

Photo courtesy of Matthews & Associates

The Matthews & Associates team.

health promoted

let's dance

New Houston nightclub shakes up downtown with salsa dancing and yoga classes

Courtesy of Clandestina

Clandestina is now open in downtown Houston.

Downtown recently welcomed a new venue dedicated to adding a little theatricality to Houston’s nightlife scene. After opening quietly last month in the former Prohibition space (1008 Prairie St.), Clandestina will bring a little Latin flair to downtown when it celebrates its grand opening this Saturday, January 17.

Owner Issac Hendrix has been a nightclub promoter for many years, leading events at venues such as Clutch, Bottled Blonde, Aura, and Lincoln. He sees Clandestina as an opportunity to bring something different to Houston.

“There aren’t many Latin-infused cocktail places. It made me want to create something like that for everybody,” Hendrix tells CultureMap. “I want to bring something of quality that’s fun for people. Not so much about the image of having fun but actually people dancing.”

Part of when sets Clandestina apart is the location’s theatrical stage. Hidden behind a bookcase in the front bar area — its clandestine nature inspired the venue’s name — it will allow the venue to host performances by dance troupes, DJs, and even movie nights that will feature classic films like the Wizard of Oz or Beetlejuice paired with themed food and drinks.

The front lounge/dining room will have its own DJs playing different music. In February, Hendrix aims to roll out weekend brunch service.

Mostly, Hendrix wants people to dance. On Friday nights, Clandestina will host a salsa class beginning at 8 pm.

The club also has a wellness focus. On the third Saturday of every month, it will host daytime events such as yoga or pilates classes with matcha and coffee. A portion of proceeds will benefit a different local nonprofit each month.

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A post shared by CLANDESTINA (@clandestinahouston)

Saturday’s grand opening will bring all of these elements together. A wellness event, including a pilates class, will run from 12-5 pm with Clandestina making a donation to location breast cancer nonprofit The Rose. A reception from 6-10 pm will feature DJs and cocktails. From 10 pm-2 am, the energy gets turned up with fire dancers, percussion, and a saxophonist.

Courtesy of Clandestina

Clandestina is now open in downtown Houston.

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