Landmark Grocery Store Closing

Woodlands shocker: Landmark grocery store is shuttering with Whole Foods moving in

The Woodlands will lose a poplar source of dry aged beef, craft beer and other gourmet goodies with Hubbell & Hudson set to shutter its grocery store and cooking school. The closure will happen by March 12 but could come even sooner.

In the market's place, Hubbell & Hudson will expand its Waterfront restaurant and add private dining space. Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen, a more casual restaurant and market in another part of The Woodlands, is not affected by this decision.

The grocery store was a money loser in 2012, according to an internal document provided to CultureMap by a source. In addition, the document states that the company is concerned about Whole Foods Market's plans to open in The Woodlands and H-E-B's continued expansion. The company worked with consultants who determined "you do not have enough buying power to compete" with these large players, the Hubbell and Hudson document states.

It also notes that the grocery store has lost millions since its opening.

The grocery store was a money loser in 2012, according to an internal document.

Some affected employees will be offered jobs with the company related to the expansion of both the bistro and catering operations. Those in "good standing" are eligible for unemployment, according to the document.

If the reaction on the 2000-member Facebook group The Woodlands/Spring area TX Foodie Club is any indication, local residents are surprised, but they are treating the still-unannounced decision as fact. The group's administrator, Kerry Stessel, revealed the closing to the group; his company, Hot Line Pepper Products, sells hot sauces at the market.

Stessel tells CultureMap that he learned of the closure from an employee in the receiving department who told him the company was placing the final order for his products. CultureMap contacted the Hubbell & Hudson CEO for comment, but he did not return a phone call Sunday.

Stessel is not sure things will change much for Woodlands foodies who have been shopping at Hubbell & Hudson. "I've seen the H-E-B which is right next door start carrying similar products," Stessel says. "I don't know if H-E-B sells foie gras and truffles. There might be people in The Woodlands who have to go elsewhere for those items."

With the timing of the closing being imminent but uncertain, there's only one thing left to do.

"I will probably use my gift card tomorrow," Stessel writes on the Foodie Club Facebook page.

Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen, the market's offshoot on Research Forest, will remain.

Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen interior grocery store

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Hubbell & Hudson Kitchen, the market's offshoot on Research Forest, will remain.

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Play it again, Houston, at this new hotspot

Houston's new piano bar hits a high note with 2-story patio & martinis

A man plays the piano while a cocktail sits next to him

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

The Kennedy, a new restaurant and piano bar, aims to strike a harmonious blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication as it opens at 3210 W Dallas St., near the intersection of West Dallas Street and Waugh Drive.

Former frequenters of Muse and Emmaline will recognize The Kennedy’s location that sits where Montrose and River Oaks begin to blend. The more than 7,000-square-foot space has been transformed into an intimate retreat through a rich, moody color palette, dark wood paneling, and cozy seating vignettes.

A large, indoor bar is a focal point, while tall ceilings and expansive industrial windows lend a contemporary edge to the timeless design. Nearly 40 pieces of art — including original, classical, and contemporary works sourced from local galleries — adorn the walls, creating a space that’s as visually captivating as it is welcoming. With cooler temperatures finally on the horizon, Houstonians can enjoy the weather on The Kennedy’s two-story, amply-shaded patios.

“Bringing The Kennedy to life has been a labor of love over the last year, and I’m excited to share our warm and cozy restaurant and piano bar with our guests,” owner Andres Castro said in a statement. “We’ve gathered an incredible team of industry veterans that have made The Kennedy a world-class, day-to-late night destination that feels like an energetic extension of your home.”

Music is woven into the experience, with live performances by vocalists, pianists, and DJs on the menu. A baby grand piano serves as the heart of the entertainment, and a dual-sided fireplace doubles as a DJ booth, creating a vibrant late-night lounge ambiance.

Open Tuesday through Sunday, The Kennedy serves lunch on Fridays, and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Executive chef Adriana Maldonado, who honed her skills in New York City at spots like Javelina and Olives, brings her expertise to the kitchen. The menu, crafted in collaboration with Carniceria Prime Meat Market, features premium dishes such as a prime wagyu ribeye with romesco and chimichurri ($32) and a delicate wagyu ribeye tartare ($21). Elevated plates include truffle white wine lobster spaghetti ($30) with vodka sauce and yellow heirloom tomatoes, along with a playful twist on the mozzarella stick, coated in potato chips and topped with crème fraîche and caviar ($24).

The bar menu, with an extensive selection of handcrafted cocktails and mocktails, an impressive martini list, and international wines and champagnes, has something for every taste. Highlights include the mango ember ($16), a mezcal-based drink with mango purée, and the clarified millionaire margarita ($26) with Patron Cielo. Martini lovers can enjoy choices like the lychee martini ($16) and the soprano negroni with orange Campari foam ($18).

Casual attire is welcome during the day, but “Sunset Attire” is requested after 6 pm, encouraging visitors to dress up for the evening in keeping with the venue’s upscale vibe.

Photo by Rebecca Wright

The Kennedy in the Montrose/River Oaks area recently opened its doors to those who love live music, libations, and refined entrees.

“The Kennedy merges the sophistication and elegance of River Oaks with the energy and artistry of Montrose and delivers a one-of-a-kind experience,” Castro said.

This is the first concept of Castro’s newly-formed Ninety3 Hospitality Group. Castro has 12 years of hospitality experience, including time at nightclubs such as Spire and Clé, and six years in private aviation.