This week brought a number of changes for three local steakhouses. Let’s take a quick spin through the changes that have come and are coming to these restaurants.
First, the Midtown outpost of Laurenzo’s has closed after only six months in business. Dubbed Laurenzo’s Bar & Grill, the second outpost of the prime rib-oriented restaurant and sports bar replaced shuttered barbecue restaurant The Republic Smokehouse & Saloon when it opened in January.
“Regrettably it never generated sufficient sales to be viable. That's all,” owner Roland Laurenzo said in a statement.
The closure is only the latest setback for the Laurenzo family, who also operate seven locations of high end Tex-Mex restaurant El Tiempo Cantina. The Katy location of that restaurant still hasn’t reopened after burning to the ground last November, and plans to open a location on 290 have been suspended. CultureMap has asked the company’s representatives to comment on the status of both locations but has yet to receive a response.
In more positive news, Brazilian steakhouse mini-chain Tradicao Brazilian Steakhouse has renamed itself Avenida Brazil Churrascaria Steakhouse. While the name is changing, the menu that features all-you-can-eat meat and seafood offerings will remain the same.
Along with the name change, Avenida will add a location near The Woodlands to its outposts near southwest Houston in Stafford and in Clear Lake. Slated to open in July, the Woodlands location will benefit from the culinary expertise of the company’s executive chef, Vanderlei Bernardi, who hails from southern Brazil.
Finally, one of Houston’s highest profile steakhouses will soon have a new look. Galleria favorite Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse will install new carpet, ceiling tiles, lighting, and bar tops. In addition, the restaurant will feature new chairs, reupholster its booths, and swap out sinks and vanities in its bathrooms.
The most noticeable change will be a new crystal chandelier that the restaurant describes as both “opulent” and “spectacular.” To facilitate the renovation, the restaurant will close from June 30 until July 9. All of the work should be completed by mid-September.
Laurenzo's Bar & Grill has closed after only six months in business.
