Going to Garden Oak

Common Bond bakes up exciting drive-thru concept in Garden Oaks

Common Bond is coming to Garden Oaks.

Courtesy of Common Bond

Common Bond On The Go is on the move. CEO George Joseph has already signed a lease for a second location of the bakery-cafe’s recently introduced drive-thru concept in Garden Oaks at 3210 N. Shepherd Dr.

“I think it’s an up-and-coming area,” Joseph tells CultureMap. “A lot of nice homes, a lot of families. I think it’ll be a great place for the neighborhood.”

Working with Craig Garcia of Gage Architecture, Inc., Common Bond will convert the former Kim’s Service Station into a drive-thru cafe. One of the bays will become the ordering area, and customers will then drive around back to pick up their coffee and croissants, Joseph says. It should open in early 2021.

"In a time of such uncertainty, what hasn’t changed is our commitment to thoughtfully curating our communities by responding to consumer demand," Monica Danna, leasing and marketing director for Re:Vive Development, tells CultureMap in an email. "While those demands may look different these days, Revive has increased our focus on partnering with insightful operators, like Common Bond, who share our vision of identifying key areas proven to help businesses continue to operate. Having a drive-through operation on busy North Shepherd in Garden Oaks was something we always envisioned for this property, underscored now by current restaurant challenges. We are thrilled to welcome Common Bond to the Garden Oaks and Oak Forest neighborhoods."

Common Bond introduced the On The Go concept in May when it opened the first location in the former Sam’s Fried Chicken and Donuts space in The Heights. It features a greatest hits menu of the cafe's popular items such as cookies, pastries, and croissants, plus savory items such as sandwiches, salads, and a few unique dishes created by executive chef Jason Gould. Beer and wine are also available.

Joseph adds that the success of the Heights location’s first six weeks has inspired him to move quickly to secure additional On The Go locations. Part of this spot’s appeal is that it’s on the delivery route between the company’s full service cafe in the Heights and its soon-to-open outpost at CityPlace in Springwoods Village. With drive-thru locations becoming even more important for people looking to practice social distancing, Joseph sees On The Go as a key component of Common Bond’s future.

“Hopefully we can find good locations. That’s the biggest concern,” Joseph says. “You want it to be convenient for people. Hopefully on the right side of the road for where people are going to work, so they can get their coffee and pastry on their way.”

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News about Common Bond On The Go Garden Oaks was first reported by The Leader.

news-you-can-eat openings

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.

news-you-can-eat openings honest mary's