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Wiped off the map: Ruggles Grill demolished to make room for new rusticrestaurant

The bright yellow exterior of the original Ruggles Grill — a fixture on Westheimer since 1985 — is no more.

Ryan Hildebrand announced in April that he and his partners had purchased the site, with plans to open a "modern rustic" restaurant called Brande.

"Our original intent was to peel back the layers that had been added to the original over time, but — I'm trying to say this as nicely as I can — it's just not been maintained well. The structure is unsound and it's really unusable," Hildebrand told CultureMap at the time.

"Our original intent was to peel back the layers that had been added to the original over time, but — I'm trying to say this as nicely as I can — it's just not been maintained well.

The only part of the original building that will make its way to the new structure are the stained glass windows, which will be used to create a mural or perhaps to line the skylights in Brande.

Instead they donated the building to Habitat for Humanity, which salvaged anything that could be used or sold. Now that the demolition process is complete, Hildebrand says they are on schedule to begin construction at the beginning of 2013 and to open in August or September.

Got a great photo of a Houston happening or everyday occurrence? Or just a fun photo that shows why Houston is so unique? Send it to barbara@culturemap.com, along with details (who, what, where and why it's special). It might make our Pix of the Day.

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there's the rub

Restaurant known for 'new Houston cuisine' now open in Cypress

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.

A restaurant known for its eclectic “new Houston cuisine” has opened in Cypress. The fourth location of Jonathan’s the Rub is now open for dinner in Bridgeland (20215 Bridgeland Creek Parkway).

First announced last year, the new Jonathan’s is located in Village Green, a 70-acre mixed-use development within the 925-acre Bridgeland Central district. The 5,500-square-foot restaurant includes two patios totaling 2,600 square feet, giving the restaurant plenty of room for private dining rooms, a bar area, and indoor-outdoor areas with fire pits and greenery.

“We were looking for the next frontier — a community with a booming population and a clear vision for growth that aligns with our brand,” chef-owner Jonathan Levine said in a statement. “When we discovered Bridgeland and learned it was a Howard Hughes development, we were immediately impressed. With their reputation for developing generational communities, we felt confident that Bridgeland was the right place for our family and for Jonathan’s the Rub.”

Like Jonathan’s three other locations, the menu at Bridgeland is built around Levine’s signature “new Houston cuisine,” a kicked-up take on comfort food that includes everything from lobster tacos and blackened shrimp and grits to Italian American classics and steakhouse fare.

Village Green is also home to H-E-B and restaurants such as Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café and Crust Pizza Co. Austin-based burger joint P. Terry’s will open there next year.

“Jonathan’s the Rub’s arrival in Bridgeland Central brings a distinguished addition to the culinary scene in both the community and northwest Houston,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas region, for Bridgeland developer Howard Hughes Communities. “We’re proud to partner with exceptional restaurateurs like Chef Jonathan Levine to bring elevated dining experiences that enhance the lifestyle offerings for our residents and neighbors.”

Courtesy of Jonathan's the Rub

Jonathan's the Rub serves steaks and other dishes.