taste the love

San Francisco-based sandwich shop unwraps tasty new Heights location

The popular San Francisco sandwich shop is opening in The Heights.

Photo courtesy of Ike's Love & Sandwiches

When San Francisco import Ike's Love & Sandwiches opens its first Houston location on Thursday, August 29, it's doing so with a fun opening-day deal for diners: the first 50 guests in the door get a free sandwich. That's just part of a two-day celebration to launch the new place.

Located at 1051 Heights Blvd., the shop is a partnership between Ike Shehadeh, company founder and face behind the brand, and former Major League Baseball pitcher Mark Appel, who's a Houston native. (He also signed with the Astros' and played in the club's minor league.) Both will be on hand on opening day to greet guests and share their excitement about opening Ike's in H-Town. Look for Shehadeh from 10 am to 5 pm, and Appel from 11 am to 3 pm.

“I’m thrilled to bring my favorite sandwich chain to my hometown,” said Appel in a press release announcing the opening. “This location marks the third store Ike and I have opened together. Now, my family and friends can experience these amazing sandwiches within reach here in Houston.”

In addition to the free sandwich deal, there are other opening specials. Guests who show they are following Ike’s on Instagram can purchase a sandwich for just $5 all day long on Thursday and Friday. They can also get a free popsicle from Steel City Pops with the purchase of a sandwich, while supplies last. The sandwich menu includes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options.

Ike's has earned a reputation for having an array of location-specific options for its shops around the country. In Houston, those will include the “Grand Pinkerton,” made with Pinkerton brisket, pastrami, Pinkerton barbecue aioli, and provolone cheese. There's also a vegetarian version called “Robert Woodrow Wilson,” made with vegan brisket, Pinkerton barbecue glaze, and pepper jack cheese.

Ike's opened in San Francisco in 2007 and has steadily expanded. The Houston opening follows the company's push into Texas. Two Ike's locations set up shop in Austin over the last three months. The Heights spot is the first of four set to open in the Bayou City. The company now has 72 restaurants in five states.

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another surprise shutter

Coastal-inspired Houston restaurant will shutter after 3 years in Montrose

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

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A Montrose restaurant devoted to fresh and healthy fare will soon serve its final meal. Graffiti Raw will close on December 31.

Located next to Uchi in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development, Graffiti Raw opened in early 2023. It is part of the Big Vibe Group, the hospitality company behind Coppa Osteria in Rice Village and Flora, the stylish Mexican restaurant in Buffalo Bayou Park.

Graffiti Raw took inspiration from coastal destinations such as Big Sur, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. True to its name, the menu included raw items such as tartare and ceviche alongside classic fare such as steak frites, chicken schnitzel, and crab fried rice.

“Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection — from shared meals to vibrant

nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston. The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the

guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience,” the company said in a statement.

Big Vibe emphasizes that both Coppa Osteria and Flora “remain central to the company’s long-term vision, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and elevated hospitality.” It made a similar commitment to those concepts when it closed Gratify, a neighborhood bistro in Rice Village, back in 2024.

Montrose has seen a number of openings and closings, with additions such as jazz supperclub Doc’s and wine shop/bar Montrose Grocer. Paulie’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years, will also close on December 31.

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