On-The-Go in Spring Branch

Common Bond revs up On-the-Go service to Spring Branch and Memorial

Spring Branch and Memorial-area diners have a convenient new option for pastries, sweets, sandwiches, and more. Common Bond has opened its newest On-The-Go location in the MarqE complex (7680 Katy Fwy).

First introduced last year, Common Bond On-The-Go slims down the bakery and cafe's offerings to a core menu of items that can be served quickly such as breads, sweets, and pastries along with savory items like sandwiches and salads. Like the other On the Go locations in The Heights and Garden Oaks, the Spring Branch location offers customers the ability to walk-in or drive-thru.

Once inside (or in the drive-thru lane), they'll find all of Common Bond's signature items such croissants and other viennoiserie like kouign-amann, cookies and macarons, and small cakes. The concept offers a full coffee program — making it a little bit like a Starbucks except with food someone might actually want to eat.

On the savory side, chef Jason Gould has developed a menu of dishes that can be executed in approximately 90 seconds. They include breakfast sandwiches made with baked egg and choice of protein — including a sausage patty made with vegan Beyond Meat — that are served on the restaurant's signature croissants. Lunch and dinner options include a recently-introduced braised beef po'boy that utilizes the beef bourguignon served at the concept's larger bistro locations.

The next few months will be a busy time for Common Bond. Later this fall, it will unveil its elevated brasserie concept in downtown's Bank of America tower. In addition, at least two more On-the-Go locations are in the works for Midtown: one in the Drewery Place luxury high-rise and another in The Ion, Rice University's innovation-focused mixed-use development in the former Sears building. Even more are coming.

“We are excited to serve the Spring Branch and Memorial neighborhood residents and Houston commuters at our largest On-The-Go location on Katy Freeway,” Common Bond CEO George Joseph said in a statement. “We are thrilled to begin our expansion west in the MarqE Shopping Center, and we look forward to continuing our expansion on Eldridge and in the Memorial City area in the coming year.”

Get a slice of cake to-go.

Common Bond On the Go Spring Branch pastries

Photo by Eric Sandler

Get a slice of cake to-go.

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Growing burger chain slides into first Houston location

Smalls Sliders/ Facebook

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A growing burger chain has arrived in Houston. Smalls Sliders recently opened its first location in Spring Branch at 1337 Gessner Road.

As its name implies, the restaurant serves cheeseburger sliders — mini hamburgers that are topped simply with cheese, pickles, and burger sauce. Available as either a single or double, the only option diners have is to add bacon. Prices are small to match, just $2.79 for a single cheeseburger or $3.89 for a double.

The menu also includes a grilled cheese, waffle fries, and shakes in four flavors — vanilla, chocolate, cookies and cream, and strawberry. A combo meal of two sliders, waffle fries, and a medium soft drink is priced at $9.29 (a large drink or a shake is available for an additional cost). Here’s a sneak peek at the restaurant courtesy of Houston food influencer eatnwithdee:

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A post shared by Danny ~ Houston Content Creator ✨ (@eatnwithdee)

Part of the brand’s appeal comes from its innovative design. Dubbed the “Smorange Can,” it’s a modular building made from two shipping containers. Painted bright orange, each location offers both a drive-thru and a walk-up window.

Behold the "Smorange Can." Smalls Sliders

Founded in Atlanta by restaurateur Brandon Landry, Smalls Sliders counts Super Bowl-winning quarterback Drew Brees as one of its investors. Franchisees Preston Cuningham and David Higgins, along with operating partner Kirk Douglas, are responsible for the Houston location, a location in nearby Willis that opened earlier this year, and an upcoming Conroe outpost.

“Houston is such an iconic city with a great food scene. Opening a Smalls here was a natural next step for our team and the brand,” Cuningham said in a statement. “Smalls is well loved across the south and building a strong presence in Texas with recent openings in McKinney and Willis. We’re thrilled to paint Houston ‘Smorange’ and introduce this craveable menu to the area.”

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