Foodie News
More luxe apartments for Houston's inner loop: Hines buys original Cafe Adobelocation
It's been over 30 years since the original Café Adobe opened at the corner of Shepherd and Westheimer in 1981, offering Tex-Mex classics and a verdant patio that stands out among Houston restaurants.
Now that restaurant — the first out of the company's current four locations — is set to close for good in 2013 as part of a change in ownership. The valuable inner loop property was sold to Hines to raise cash to facilitate bringing the company into the sole ownership of CEO Bob Borochoff.
Officials for the restaurant chain emphasize the Westheimer location will remain open as they search for a new space.
"Due to the unfortunate and untimely death of Café Adobe partner Scott Cragin, Café Adobe has completed the sale of the land where the original Café Adobe now stands at 2111 Westheimer to provide for Cragin’s family and the buyout of its partners," said a press release issued by the company.
Upper Kirby fans won't have to worry about driving out to Spring Branch or Sugar Land, though. Café Adobe is looking for a new space in the same area, although there's been no purchase or lease as of yet. Borochoff emphasizes the Westheimer location will remain open as the search is conducted for a new spot.
"The Westheimer Café Adobe restaurant will continue to operate as usual and will move to a new location in the same area next year. Café Adobe is actively reviewing alternatives and will announce the new location once it is finalized. In the meantime, we’ll still be serving at our current location and encourage everyone to continue enjoying our great Tex Mex cuisine and margaritas,” Borochoff said in an email.
Hines plans an upscale residential rental project, with construction to begin later next year.
"The design has not been finalized but it will definitely be a great looking addition to the neighborhood. We love the location, as it straddles River Oaks and Montrose and plan to build something that’s an asset to the neighborhood," Hines senior vice president George Lancaster said in an email.
Hines launched a Multifamily division last year with Alan Patton, formerly president of The Morgan Group, at the helm. Its first Houston project, WaterWall Place, is under construction overlooking the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park.
