serving up help

Chris Shepherd pours out local support with pop-up bartender series

Lucille's 1913 guest bartenders Eight Row Flint

Team Eight Row Flint pops up at One Fifth on September 2.

Courtesy of Lucille's 1913

Add One Fifth to the movement of restaurants offering assistance to out of work bartenders. Chris Shepherd's Mediterranean restaurant has joined the 1913 Pop-Up Program, an initiative started by Lucille's chef-owner Chris Williams to benefitLucille's 1913, his non-profit that provides meals to seniors in neighborhoods such as Sunnyside and Acres Homes.

Every Wednesday from 4-11 pm, One Fifth will host pop-ups with guest bartenders from some of the city's best bars. The guests will create a menu of three or four signature cocktails that will be available to diners (reservations required). Bartenders will be paid as contract employees and receive tips. One Fifth will donate $1 from every cocktail sold to Lucille's 1913.

“We’re heartbroken for our friends in the bar community,” said Underbelly Hospitality chef/owner Chris Shepherd. “They need our support more than ever, and I can’t wait to have them behind the bar at One Fifth. I love what Chris Williams is doing, and we’re so honored to be a part of this program.”

Lucille's started the program in July with pop-ups every Thursday on its patio. The program has been a hit with customers and a boon to bartenders. Global liquor giant Beam Suntory sponsors the events at both establishments, with Lexus and Highway Vodka contributing at One Fifth.

“We came up with the pop-up idea with the intention of other restaurants getting involved and doing the same thing,” Williams said. “We are so excited to say that Chris Shepherd, one of the best chefs in the world, is getting on board and will launch the concept at One Fifth. It’s all in the name of supporting the community and giving back to help our own.”

One Fifth Guest Bartender Series

September 2: Eight Row Flint
September 9: Two Headed Dog
September 16: Johnny’s Gold Brick
September 23: Julep
October 7: Bad News Bar

Lucille's Guest Bartender Series

September 3: Johnny's Gold Brick
September 10: Ladybird's

cocktails fundraisers

say boo

Houston smash burger pop-up finds permanent home on East End esplanade

Photo by Drea Karolina

Boo's Burgers wil occupy a kiosk on the Navigation Esplanade.

One of Houston’s favorite burger pop-ups is opening a brick and mortar restaurant. Boo’s Burgers will open a permanent location in early 2025.

Located in the Second Ward at 2510 Navigation Boulevard, Boo’s Burgers will occupy a kiosk on the bustling Navigation Esplanade. A permanent location represents the next step for chef Joseph Boudreaux, who founded Boo’s Burgers in 2021 while he was working as a barista at a downtown coffee shop. Prior to that, he worked at a number of restaurants, including Leeland House and Tiny Champions.

Boo's Burgers Joseph Boudreaux Chef-owner Joseph Boudreaux.Photo by Drea Karolina

Those experiences helped shape the chef’s take on the classic smash burger. It features a 50-50 ratio of chuck and short rib that he grinds himself with a little fat for extra juiciness. It gets topped with a slice of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, pickles that Boudreaux makes himself, and burger sauce.

“Burgers are something everyone in Houston can relate to,” Boudreaux said in a statement. “We’ve tapped into that shared memory of local mom-and-pop burger stands while weaving in the city’s unique blend of southern charm and urban culture. The East End feels like the perfect place for Boo’s next chapter. It’s a vibrant community that’s rich in history, where we can create a space that’s both familiar and exciting.”

Joseph Bourdeaux smashburger That's a photogenic burger. Photo by Eric Sandler

Having a permanent location will allow Boudreaux to expand his menu with food specials and sides. Diners can also expect a full range of drinks and desserts. The restaurant’s design will take inspiration from streetwear and hip hop, establishing it as a uniquely Houston destination. Prior to the opening, Boudreaux will host Boo’s Burger Run, a bi-weekly pop-up series with chefs from the East End and other parts of Houston.

“We’re not just opening a restaurant,” Boudreaux added. “We’re building a space where food, culture, and community come together. We want Boo’s to be the kind of place where people feel connected to Houston’s past and future.”

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