barry's is coming

Celebrity-favorite fitness gym from Hollywood leaps into River Oaks

Barry's Bootcamp River Oaks Shopping Center Houston

The fitness gym beloved by A-listers is coming to Houston.

If the increasing number of out-of-state license plates and announcements of impending In-N-Out Burger locations are any indicator, California is coming to Houston. Riding on that wave is rock star fitness center Barry’s Bootcamp, which has announced a new location in the River Oaks Shopping Center.

This is the first Barry’s in Houston (Dallas owns the bragging rights as the first Texas outpost). The 6,218-square-foot space is expected to open this spring, according to local real estate firm Weingarten Realty. The chic sweat shop boasts 50 locations worldwide and somewhat of a cult following — some locales find lines and wait lists that rival the hottest clubs.

Popular among A-listers, including Kim Kardashian, Jessica Alba, and the Beckhams, Barry’s has become a spot to see and be seen; some locations even host a weekly singles night. It’s a favorite of celebs, captains of industry, and stylish young professionals who pack the gym for a little “I see you” mingling and cardio. The impossibly attractive trainers are often models, actors, and influencers and the workout crowd is often equally beautiful.

One of the first national gyms to meld fitness with a hip lifestyle approach, Barry’s was founded in West Hollywood in 1998 by celebrity trainer Barry Jay and is one of the originators of the strength and cardio interval fitness experience. Workout warriors are well aware of its signature method, which utilizes a combination of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). This blend of cardiovascular routines and strength training using has now become commonplace in gyms everywhere.

Visitors can expect a Fuel Bar, which offers smoothies and healthy snacks, plus full men’s and women’s locker rooms stocked with premium products.

Beautiful people, take note: Barry’s has also branched out into activewear, so fit and fab Houstonians can alternate between their Lululemon and Barry’s gear — depending on their workout days, of course.

celebrities fitness young-professionals

return of the paperback

Beloved used bookstore returns to Montrose 5 years after closing

Photo courtesy of Half Price Books

Half Price Books closed its original Montrose location in 2021.

One of Houston’s most beloved place to buy used books, movies, gifts, and more is returning to Montrose. Half Price Books has acquired the former Soundwaves spaces at 3509 Montrose Blvd for a new store that’s expected to open next year.

The real estate sleuths at the Houston Architecture Info forum discovered that the deed for the property had recently been transferred to a LLC owned by Half Price Books.

The new store represents Half Price Books’ return to Montrose, after closing its location at 1011 Westheimer in 2021 after almost 20 years. That property will become the Starling, a mixed-use development from real estate developer Skanska that will offer both a residential component and 30,000 square feet of retail space. Half Price Books closed its popular Rice Village store in 2019.

Once Houston’s premier, locally-owned music store chain, Soundwaves closed its Montrose location in May. It had been open since 1997.

Half Price Books president Kathy Doyle Thomas provided a statement to the Houston Chronicle about the company’s decision to return to Montrose:

"We were thrilled when we had the opportunity to purchase this building," Thomas said. "Our previous store in the Montrose neighborhood closed in early 2021 when the landlord decided to redevelop the area. We’ve heard from countless customers in the last five years how much they miss the Montrose store, so we’re looking forward to being back in the loop."

Half Price Books was founded in Dallas in 1972, according to the company’s website. It has more than 100 locations nationwide, including six in greater Houston — Westchase, Pearland, Sugar Land, Humble, Copperfield, and Clear Lake.

half price books montrose