A flood-ravaged Houston restaurant will rise again in a new location. The owners of Spaghetti Warehouse, the downtown restaurant that shuttered after Hurricane Harvey flooded it with several feet of water, are bringing a new concept to Spring Branch.
Warehouse 72 (named for the year the restaurant opened its first location in Dallas) will update the familiar concept for a new generation. Slated to debut in late 2018 or early 2019, the new restaurant will occupy approximately 8,600 square feet in the Marq*E Entertainment Center. As the renderings above show, the space will feature exposed brick, high ceilings, and an open kitchen.
“Exactly one year ago, Spaghetti Warehouse faced a turbulent and uncertain future after the catastrophic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey – including the destruction of the longtime Spaghetti Warehouse home in downtown Houston,” Michael Kim, president of Spaghetti Warehouse Restaurants, said in a statement. He added, “It has been a very difficult circumstance in the months that ensued, but we really wanted to come back despite the many challenges associated. Spaghetti Warehouse leadership made a firm commitment that we would return to Houston; Warehouse 72 not only represents that promised homecoming but also an opportunity to re-engage loyal Spaghetti customers while attracting a new generation of fans to the re-imagined concept in the process.”
Executive chef Don Flores' new menu will mix Spaghetti Warehouse classics with a range of new dishes. Flores, who brings experience from several restaurants in New York as well as the Los Angeles location of acclaimed Japanese restaurant Katsuya, will preserve familiar dishes like the 15-layer lasagna and spinach and mozzarella ravioli while also introducing new tastes like porchetta, Gulf shrimp, and short ribs. To drink, expect an all-new cocktail menu, a focus on Italian wines, and an expanded beer selection.
Diners who miss the restaurant have the opportunity to get a taste on Monday, August 27. Flores and his crew will host a pop-up at Evelyn's Park in Bellaire starting from 4 pm to 8 pm; for $15, patrons can order a combination plate with one Warehouse 72 entree and one Spaghetti Warehouse entree. Kids (10 and under) portions will be available for $8. The restaurant will donate 15-percent of sales to Evelyn's Park Conservancy.
Warehouse 72 will focus on communal dining.
