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    preserving Conservatory

    2 Houston nightlife veterans step in to open planned Galleria food hall

    Eric Sandler
    Nov 8, 2021 | 1:48 pm
    Conservatory Galleria construction
    The team behind Conservatory Galleria is ready to get the project moving.
    Courtesy of Conservatory Galleria

    The plan to open a new food hall near the Galleria is back thanks to a new ownership group that’s determined to bring the project to fruition. Roveen Abante and Chase LoVullo have partnered to become the franchisees and operators of the Conservatory food hall that will open in the former Roxy nightclub space.

    Both Abante and LoVullo are Houston nightlife veterans who have been involved in a number of successful concepts. Previously, they both contributed to the opening of Pour Behavior, the popular bar and restaurant in Midtown.

    First announced in late 2019, Conservatory Galleria builds on the legacy of first Conservatory that opened downtown in 2016 and is currently operated as Underground Food Hall by different ownership. After being delayed the pandemic, the project is now scheduled to open in the spring. Plans call for 11 food vendors and three bars, including a mezzanine-level wine bar and a new rooftop patio that will connect to the building’s parking deck.

    After speaking to Conservatory co-owner Anh Mai about investing in the project, Abante and LoVullo tell CultureMap they saw an opportunity to become franchisees who could bring the concept to fruition more quickly than Mai and his partners could on their own. Given the number of offices, apartments, and hotels nearby — all with people who might appreciate a food hall’s casual atmosphere and diverse roster of vendors — they see the potential to be busy.

    “He has a bunch of concepts going on. We literally said, why don’t we become your first franchise model,” Abante says. “We’ll be your guinea pig . . . We’ll be the first franchise model for Conservatory.”

    “Chase and Ro were highly recommended by people we know,” Mai adds. “I’ve known of them for awhile .They've done well in other places.”

    Towards that end, they’ll learn the procedures Mai and his partners have used to evaluate vendors for their other projects that include the original Conservatory, downtown’s Bravery Chef Hall, and the recently opened Railway Heights Market. Abante adds that Mai has already provided almost 50 potential candidates for Conservatory Galleria’s 11 spots. They’re beginning to schedule tastings to evaluate which businesses will be included in the opening roster, but having a diverse mix is important.

    “It’s a very international crowd down here,” LoVullo says. “Our food will be Latin to Persian to Asian [and more], a little bit of everything.”

    In addition, the operators plan to provide customers with a way to order delivery from multiple vendors via third party apps. A dedicated pickup area will expedite the process and help ensure orders arrive quickly.

    In terms of design, they’re working with architect John Tsai of JT ARC Studio. Plans call for plenty of greenery along with outdoor seating on both the first floor and the roof.

    “Roveen and Chase are very well respected and great operators, and we at Braun are very excited to have them take over and get open,” Simon Ha, director of leasing and brokerage for property owner Braun Enterprises writes in an email.

    If the plan proves to be successful, it could pave the way for other Conservatory franchises in different parts of Houston and or even other cities.

    "If a developer wants to inquire about an opportunity with Conservatory, we’ll give them the information about the onboarding process, training, giving them the playbook of what vendors to pick," Abante says. "If other companies want to do it in Austin or Dallas, we’ll work with them."

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    a very fine house

    East Coast-inspired tavern shakes up Rice Village with 'World's Coldest Martini'

    Eric Sandler
    May 19, 2025 | 9:09 am
    Hudson House restaurant Rice Village
    Photo by Becca Wright
    Hudson House is bringing its signature martinis to Rice Village.

    The “World’s Coldest Martini” is coming to Rice Village. Hudson House will open its second Houston-area location this Wednesday, May 21.

    Located between CB2 and Banana Republic at 2414 University Blvd., Hudson House is part of the Dallas-based Vandelay Hospitality Group that also includes Drake’s Hollywood, a retro-styled steakhouse that opened in Montrose last summer. For Rice Village, Hudson House’s new, 6,000-square-foot restaurant follows the model of the River Oaks location that opened in 2023. That means navy leather booths, brass accents, and a polished wood bar that serves as a focal point.

    The menu takes its inspiration from East Coast taverns. That includes items such as a cheeseburger, lobster roll, lobster mac and cheese, steak frites, entree salads, and chicken parm. Raw bar offerings include East Coast oysters, shrimp cocktail, and sushi rolls. The brunch menu features pancakes, eggs Benedict, and a bagel with lox and cream cheese.

    Hudson House pairs its dishes with a selection of classic cocktails that is highlighted by the “World’s Coldest Martini.” To achieve the proper effect, the drink is poured from a frozen bottle and served in a frozen glass. Other martini options include the Bleu & Gold (made with olive juice and blue cheese-stuffed olives) and a Lemon Drop that’s topped with limoncello foam. Hudson House also offers wines by-the-glass, beer, and non-alcoholic options.

    Hudson House opens at 11 am for lunch and dinner during the weekend and at 10 am on Saturday and Sunday for brunch. Happy hour, served Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm, includes half-off all martinis, bellinis, and wines by-the-glass as well as $10 cheeseburgers and $3 East Coast oysters.

    “We’re looking forward to bringing a second Hudson House to Houston,” Vandelay founder and CEO Hunter Pond said in a statement. “Our River Oaks location has seen strong support since opening just over a year ago, and we’re confident Rice Village will follow suit. With its already vibrant community and bustling shopping scene, Rice Village offers an ideal background for our beloved coastal-inspired American cuisine.”

    Hudson House restaurant Rice Village
      

    Photo by Becca Wright

    Hudson House is bringing its signature martinis to Rice Village.

    news-you-can-eatopeningsburgerscocktailshudson house
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