Stairway to Sandwich Heaven

Innovative Dallas restaurant climbs into Houston with self-contained sandwiches

Behold a Bread Zeppelin.

Courtesy of Bread Zeppelin

Another Dallas restaurant sees opportunity in the Houston area. Bread Zeppelin, a sandwich and salad concept, announced it has partnered with Avalanche Food Group to open a location in CityPlace, the mixed-use development connected to Exxon Mobil's campus in Springwoods Village.

Bread Zeppelin sets itself apart with its novel approach to sandwich construction. As CultureMap Dallas explains, the restaurant uses hollowed-out baguettes that are stuffed with chopped salads such as chicken Caesar or the its most popular, the Southwest, with avocado, tomato, corn, black beans, cotija cheese, romaine lettuce, and a dressing of blue cheese or avocado ranch. The configuration makes for an easier, less messy eating experience.

"We cut off one end and extract the dough in the center," co-founder Troy Charhon told CultureMap Dallas back in 2013. "That gives it a crispy skeleton that holds all the chopped ingredients together without disintegrating. We make our own dressings. If they soak into the bread, you still have the outer shell. It's self-contained — something you can eat on the go, with one hand, in your car."

Avanlanche Food Group operates eight Twin Peaks locations and two Fuel Kitchen & Health Bar outposts. The company has received awards for the way it operates its franchised restaurants, making it a natural fit to bring Bread Zeppelin to Houston.

“When my high school friend Andrew [Schoellkopf] and I came up the novel idea for the Zeppelin in 2010, we never anticipated such an incredible reception to the brand and the trajectory of our business,” Charhon said in a statement. “We are honored to be partnering with Avalanche Food Group as one of the early adopters within the remarkable environment at CityPlace, and thrilled to be starting our franchise expansion in Houston”

When the restaurant opens next spring, it will join a number of eating and drinking destinations, including a newly-opened Star Cinema Grill, Common Bond, and Sushi Rebel, a new concept from the owners of Uptown Sushi.

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forme fitting

Beard-recognized Houston chef serves up fresh concept in Midtown high-rise

Courtesy of Lucille's Hospitality Group

Lucille's Hospitality Group is now operating The Branch.

One of Houston’s most acclaimed hospitality groups has opened a new wellness-focused concept in a Midtown high-rise. The Branch is the latest concept from Lucille’s Hospitality Group.

Located on the 12th floor of the Forme, a luxury high-rise at 5501 La Branch, The Branch will serve a seasonal menu that includes a raw bar, daily crudo specials, oysters, caviar, and charcuterie. Those dishes can be paired with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Currently, the restaurant is open to both residents and members of the general public for dinner Thursday-Saturday and during the day on Sunday. Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner service will be added over time.

Founded by James Beard Award finalist Chris Williams, Lucille’s Hospitality Group is known for its Southern-inspired Museum District restaurant Lucille’s and Late August, its Midtown establishment that earned both a Recommended designation in the Michelin Guide and a Best New Restaurant award from Esquire for its blend of Afro-Caribbean and Mexican flavors. Lucille’s 1913, the group’s nonprofit, operates farms that provide access to fresh food in underserved areas.

"We're incredibly excited to partner with The Forme, because this is about much more than opening a new hospitality venue, it's about helping build a community," Williams said in a statement. "The Branch allows us to bring together thoughtful food, wellness-inspired hospitality, art and community in one space. Launching the partnership through a fundraiser that leaves a lasting impact on Houston makes this collaboration even more meaningful."

The Forme is a 33-story high-rise that’s focused on wellness, productivity, and community. In addition to The Branch, its amenities include a 20,000-square-foot fitness and recovery area, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck with pool and expansive hot tub, and 20,000 square feet of flexible coworking space.

The Branch will celebrate its opening on July 4 with Liberty and Lux, a fundraiser that will support efforts to paint murals on the Forme’s parking garage honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Tickets, $150, includes an open bar, passed hors d'oeuvres, and an expansive view of area fireworks displays from the building’s 12th floor pool deck.

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