Lucky number 13

Rockets superstar James Harden bringing upscale restaurant and nightclub to Houston

Icons of Style MFAH Houston James Harden

If nothing else, Thirteen should be stylish.

Photo courtesy of the MFAH

Houston Rockets star James Harden is getting into the restaurant business. The NBA's MVP posted a hiring announcement to Instagram for a new establishment called Thirteen by James Harden, ABC13 reports.

A countdown clock on the restaurant's website suggests a January 1 opening, but details on Thirteen are otherwise pretty light. The website doesn't offer any hints about its chef or menu, but the concept appears to have upscale aspirations.

An about section states: "At Thirteen Houston, we aspire to create the finest experience for our guests by combining the highest quality food and entertainment, with exceptional service in a cosmopolitan and entertaining atmosphere."

Similarly, the hiring announcement doesn't include the restaurant's location, Eater Houston reports that it could occupy the former Mr. Peeples space in Midtown. City of Houston permit records indicate that "Thirteen Hospitality LLC" has applied for permits to remodel the property at 1911 Bagby St. Mr. Peeples, a glitzy, two-story steakhouse from Hearsay Gastro Lounge owner Landmark Hospitality, closed in 2016.

If nothing else, Harden is known for his eclectic fashion sense, so here's hoping Thirteen has an appropriately stylish design.

The announcement comes at an uncertain moment in Harden's career. The star has been the subject of trade rumors after the departure of fellow superstar, Russell Westbrook, as well as head coach Mike D'Antoni and general manager Daryl Morey. Regardless of whether he finds a way out of Toyota Center, it seems he'll maintain ties to the Bayou City.

Other Houston athletes have taken the plunge into the restaurant business. Former Rocket Yao Ming owns a Chinese restaurant in west Houston, and Astros legend Craig Biggio lent his name to a sports bar in downtown's Marriott Marquis hotel. Former Dynamo star Brian Ching co-owns two bars, Pitch 25 and East End Backyard.

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Casual sushi hand roll restaurant sets Heights opening date

Photo by Becca Wright

Koyo will celebrate its grand opening on July 16.

A Houston hand roll restaurant will soon open in the Heights. Koyo Hand Roll Bar will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, July 16.

Located next to the recently opened Paris Baguette at 1835 N. Shepherd Dr., Koyo is built around a 26-seat counter that allows diners to receive their hand rolls as soon as they’ve been assembled, ensuring its nori wrapper is still crispy when consumed.

Similar to other hand roll restaurants, Koyo offers a range of fillings, including vegetables, fish, and shellfish. Specific rolls include asparagus, shiitake, tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and lobster. They’re available either a la carte or in sets of three, four, or five rolls that feature the restaurant’s most popular proteins.

Appetizer options consist of edamame and four crudos — salmon, scallop, tuna, or yellowtail. Beverage options include beer, sake, cocktails, Japanese whisky, and non-alcoholic options.

Koyo opened its first location last summer near the Johnson Space Center (18207B Egret Bay Blvd.). The restaurant will celebrate its grand opening with giveaways, including tote bags for the first 100 customers and three $100 gift cards. It’s also giving away a free three roll set for a year and more gift certificates on Instagram.

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“We’re excited to bring KOYO Hand Roll Bar to one of Houston’s most dynamic dining neighborhoods,” operating partner Adela Merdini said in a statement. “Our new location carries forward everything guests love about Koyo, from the freshest ingredients and thoughtfully crafted hand rolls to the warm, genuine hospitality that defines every visit.”

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