Shervin Sharifi is out to change dining in Cypress.
"We all grew up in Houston, and we're used to things like craft cocktails and solid service," the nephew of Hungry's founder Fred Sharifi tells CultureMap. "And, lots of times in these master-planned communities, what's out there is fast food or chains or real mom-and-pop spots."
Sharifi is bringing his Local Table concept to Cypress' Lakeland Village Center at 10535 Fry Road on June 3, and he figures diners are as ready for his food as he is to be part of the neighborhoods. Like its cousin, Hungry's, Local Table traffics in offering quality fare at an affordable price point. The menu focuses on globally inspired, made-from-scratch items, including seasonal lunch and dinner specials, vegetarian and vegan options, weekend brunch, and bar bites.
"We'll follow the same template we did for our Katy location," Sharifi tells CultureMap. "And we've added an entire vegan section to the menu as well. We'll also have dishes such as Brussels sprout goat cheese pizza, smoked salmon toast, Taos tartare and a poke tuna bowl."
Like Hungry’s and its sister Local Table location, all menu items are available for seated dining and take-out or delivery.
The new restaurant will be located in Cypress’ fast-growing Bridgeland master-planned community. It's opening its doors in a 4,822-square-foot space that can comfortably sit up to 150 guests. There will be a 15-seat bar, serving cask wine, craft beer, and cocktails. At the patio bar, there are 10 barstools, and the patio itself is dog-friendly patio, so families can feel comfortable bring their pooches along for lunch and dinner.
"We wanted to create a place where we are part of the community, and the community feels like it's a gathering space," says Sharifi. "We're looking to be a staple of the dining scene in Cypress."
Sharifif says he was approached by the development team behind Lakewood Village Center about bringing Hungry's to the community. But, after the success of Local Table in Katy, Sharifi thought the area was ripe for the concept. He envisions the restaurant as a place that can be a spot for a weeknight family meal, an after-work happy hour, or even a casual date night. And he thinks that the already-proven menu of fresh, quality food at approachable prices will make the restaurant a home run.
“Bringing familiar inner-city vibes to the suburbs, Local Table offers a cool yet comfortable place where our neighbors can relax, unwind, dine, celebrate special events and enjoy quality time with family and friends over healthy meals,” echoes Hungry’s owner Ashkan Nowamooz in a press release announcing the opening. “As their lives have evolved and they start their own families, many have moved beyond Houston proper. Local Table brings what they know and love from town — without the drive — to their own neighborhood.”
The new restaurant is designed by Palmer Schooley and Laura Young of Schooleydesign, who are also responsible for the re-design of Hungry’s location in Rice Village. The comfortable, modern space features brick, wood, and steel combined with modern touches result in an urban and classic feel. The lighted “CTX” marquee letters on the main dining room copper accent wall is a nod to the restaurant’s Cypress locale and should prove a popular photo spot.
"We're so excited to meet the people of Cypress and get involved in the community," says Shafiri. "We're looking forward to being part of their lives."
Local Table's Kabob Plate.
Behold the Pineapple Patron.Courtesy of ALife Hospitality Group