Champps Shutters

'We're closed forever': Two Houston sports bars suddenly shutter

Champps in Uptown Park has closed.

Two Houston-area sports bar closed suddenly Saturday night. Dallas-based restaurant group Last Call Guarantor LLC has closed Champps in Uptown Park and Fox & Hound in south Houston.

"We're closed forever," a manager at Champps confirmed when CultureMap called Monday afternoon to follow up on a tip from a reader.

The decision to close the locations comes less than three weeks after Last Call filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, listing $10 million to $50 million in assets, and $100 million to $500 million in liabilities, according to a report by Nation's Restaurant News. At the time, the company told the Dallas Business Journal it did not have any plans to close any of its 80 restaurants in 25 states, but a representative tells CultureMap they've since changed direction.

"They’re trying to focus on their stronger markets, stronger locations," spokesperson Kelly Brignac explains. "Any employees who are affected have been offered positions at other locations where possible."

The Fox & Hound location on Westheimer remains open.

closings

blinded with science

New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

A taste of Manhattan has made its way to Houston with the immersive LIT-Mas Spectacular holiday pop-up. From now until January 12, Houstonians can discover the hype behind New York City’s The Drunken Lab that's known for its unique blend of science and cocktails.

This pop-up marks the first expansion for The Drunken Lab’s parent company, Science and Sip, a concept created to make science accessible and unforgettable. Attendees can dive into holiday-themed science experiments — including explosive endothermic reactions — while enjoying festive cocktails in a winter wonderland setting enhanced with a live DJ. Appropriately, the pop-up is located in the Museum District at 4715 Main Street.

“Houston was the perfect next step for Science and Sip,” founder Cautney Nelson said in a statement. “The city’s vibrant culture, love of celebration, and ties to science through world-famous programs like NASA aligns beautifully with our mission to blend entertainment with discovery.”

Visitors enter a world filled with larger-than-life gingerbread decor and candy-inspired installations where light bulbs and laboratory flasks have been transformed into quirky beverage containers. Admission includes one cocktail or mocktail, a lab coat and goggles, and two to three science experiments. Add-ons like cocktail-filled ornament “Booze Balls” and Grinch-inspired pouches in festive red and green add an extra dose of holiday charm.

“We’re thrilled to host guests for an immersive holiday experience that merges festive fun with curiosity,” Nelson added. “With each pop-up, we aim to create a space where a great party and exploration come together, and we’re excited to see how Houston embraces The LIT-Mas Spectacular.”

A portion of the proceeds from LIT-Mas will benefit Millennial Scnce, a nonprofit founded by Nelson that provides students with accessible STEM resources and educational opportunities.

Tickets are available for Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with showtimes at 2:30 pm, 6 pm, and 9 pm. Private party and group bookings are also available.

Courtesy of Drunken Lab

Conduct holiday-themed science experiments at the LIT-Mas Spectacular.

cocktails holidays museum district nightlife

Champps Shutters

'We're closed forever': Two Houston sports bars suddenly shutter

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New York's science-themed holiday bar shakes up the Museum District

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