Major Restaurant Closes

Katsuya suddenly closes to make way for a hot new local restaurant

Katsuya — the hot sushi restaurant in West Ave that stood out as a favorite of pro athletes and scene setters alike — has closed, clearing the way for another high-end restaurant to take over its coveted space.

Sources tell CultureMap that the shuttering has nothing to do with the dramatic restaurant's culinary success — the swanky LA-import didn't lack buzz or crowds. Instead the restaurant is closing because of disagreements between its partners. This move was apparently in the works for months.

Master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi — who built the celebrity-beloved sushi concept in LA, Miami and San Diego — no longer wanted to be involved with the Houston project, according to our sources. Instead, the local GEG Group involved in Katsuya has turned to Korean chef Donald Chang — the man behind Uptown Sushi, Nara and Bluefin — to helm a new restaurant in the space.

Katsuya's most striking features — its much buzzed over Philippe Starck design — will get a complete makeover from architect Isaac Preminger.

A new version of Nara is now slated to open in the Katsuya spot this fall.

“We’ve been waiting for the right time to do this,” Chang said in a statement. “We’ve seen restaurants around town feature one or two Korean items on their menu. I want to give the full inspired menu while blending it with my Japanese cooking background to create an experience like none other in this city.”

Chang grew up in Seoul, South Korea and he's been in Houston for 37 years.

Katsuya's most striking features — its much buzzed over Philippe Starck design — will get a complete makeover from architect Isaac Preminger. The goal is to make the restaurant a more comfortable space, one where the chefs will be put on center stage and be visible to diners. An outdoor patio and a Bun Bar also will be created.

The dramatics aren't completely going away either. A large Sakura tree made from petrified wood and hand-made pink silk leaves will greet diners at Nara's entrance.

But it's still quite a change from Katsuya.

The LA import had a hype-filled opening in West Ave last year. Starck laid out its interior like a bento box to create interlocking private dining spaces, a complement to the sushi and robata offerings that promised to be Japanese cuisine shaped for an American palate.

With Chang, the emphasis could be returning more to the food rather than the scene.

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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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