the palace is back

New entertainment hot spot keeps bowling rolling at iconic Houston locale

Prepare to be bowled over by Palace Social in 2021.

Rendering courtesy of BLKBOX

A beloved Houston institution is rolling out a major transformation: Bellaire favorite attraction, Palace Bowling Lanes (4191 Bellaire Blvd.), is evolving into Palace Social, slated to open spring 2021. The 30,000 square-foot space will include eight bowling lanes, an arcade, multi-sport simulators, and high-energy attractions.

Visitors can also expect event spaces available for meetings, birthdays, and karaoke, an e-sports lounge, and a full-service bar and dining lounge, according to a press release.

Foodies will recognize a name associated with the project. Acclaimed Houston chef, Ryan Hildebrand (most recently of Triniti and FM Kitchen & Bar) will head the Palace’s food and beverage program. Expect an emphasis on Southern and American fare, with brunch, lunch, and dinner offerings — incorporating seasonal favorites — in a casual setting. For refreshments, a full-service bar including craft cocktails and a variety of beers will be on tap.

“The menu will include modern takes on southern regional classics and all-American fare with a nostalgic nod to the diner-style history of Palace Bowling Lanes,” said Hildebrand in a statement. “It will include offerings of scratch cooking diverse enough for a meal in the dining room, a snack at the bar, shared plates at the bowling alley, or a group event in the karaoke room.”

Palace Social will be constructed by Texana Builders. Interior design is being handled by Houston-based Tramonte Design Studio, in collaboration with Gin Design Group. Branding duties are overseen by acclaimed Arkansas graphic design firm, BLKBOX, according to a release.

“We are excited with the team assembled to bring this project to life, one that will make a positive impact on the community as a gathering space for all ages,” said Billy Forney, Palace Social’s managing partner, in a statement. “We are fortunate to be working with the best minds in the business to create a truly unique and fun experience in a historic location with a high level of nostalgia for Houstonians. Palace Social will draw on elements from the past while firmly establishing itself as a new concept sure to create memories for new generations to come.”

hey, joe

Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

openings trader joe's