Bagel Bob is Back

Veteran Houston baker heats up Memorial with New York-style bagel shop

Bagel Bob is coming back to Memorial.

Bagel Bob is coming back to Memorial. Robert Orzo, better known as Bagel Bob, has plans to open a new cafe called Bagel Bob’s NYTX.

Orzo tells CultureMap that he’s in the process of finalizing lease negotiations to assume control of the former Kolache Headquarter space at 1021 Dairy Ashford Rd. Since the building is mostly move-in ready, Orzo could be up and running as Bagel Bob’s NYTX within a month or two of signing.

A native New Yorker who moved to Houston in search of greater economic opportunities, Orzo earned a devoted following in 2015 for his signature bagels and cheesecakes that he sold at the Memorial Villages Farmers Market. That year, he opened the short-lived Spring Water Cafe. When it closed after five months, he joined B&B Butchers, where he’s been making breads, rolls, and bagels for the steakhouse’s dining room and deli counter.

“I have a nice job here,” Orzo says about his position at proprietor Ben Berg’s Washington Avenue restaurant. “Ben takes good care of me, but I’m 66. I’ve had stores all my life. I’ve got to run my own store.”

As its name implies, the menu at Bagel Bobs’ will be anchored by Orzo’s hand-rolled bagels that will be available either with a schmear such as cream cheese, in sandwiches, or as pizza bagels. In addition, he’ll add New York-style street food items such as knishes and hot dogs.

Orzo says he’s been testing a few dishes that blend his New York roots with his current hometown. For example, he’s working on a kolache-style sausage wrap made with bagel dough.

“I’m doing a kolache and a bagel in a different way. I don’t want to copy anyone else,” Orzo says, referencing the bagel dogs at places like the Hot Bagel Shop. “Everyone I’ve tested it on at [B&B Butchers] is freaking out.”

In order to raise the $25,000 necessary to get Bagel Bobs open, Orzo is turning to same Memorial Area Eats Facebook group that supported him at both the farmers market and at Spring Water Cafe. Working with his friend Wayne Granzin, Orzo has launched a crowd funding campaign. Potential investors may purchase $500 units with a 15-percent return to be paid 12 months after opening. Details are available on the Bagel Bob’s Facebook page.

Houston may never be Brooklyn when it comes to bagels, but the city's options have been steadily improving. Golden Bagels gave The Heights a high quality option two years ago, and Jersey Bagels has made Cypress Houston's newest bagel hotspot. If Orzo can raise the necessary capital, Memorial will soon join the movement.

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Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

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