refreshed express

River Oaks fast casual restaurant staple upgrades with new look and fresh eats

Cafe Express reopens October 4.

Photo by Michael Anthony

One of Houston's most enduring fast casual restaurants will soon sport a fresh new look. Café Express' location in River Oaks Plaza will reopen October 4 after a comprehensive series of upgrades.

Created by Cafe Annie partners chef Robert Del Grande and restaurateur Lonnie Schiller (Schiller is also a CultureMap co-founder) after a trip to Europe, this Café Express location has received a series of upgrades to bring it in line with contemporary dining trends. For example, dedicated curbside parking spots and to-go shelves expedite picking up to-go orders.

First opened in 1991, the River Oaks restaurant also has a new look inspired by European cafes. The interior features wood floors, leather banquettes, and a light fixture that spells out "River Oaks." Similar changes will roll out to Cafe Express' location in Meyerland and Town & Country.

New dishes complement the updated interior. They include a tuna nicoise salad, Romesco chicken, and bavette steak with lemon-herb sauce. They join Cafe Express favorites like chicken deli salad, basil pesto Chicken, and Mediterranean grilled salmon. Even better, the restaurant has brought back its signature condiment bar that includes olives and imported breadsticks.

Cafe Express bavette steak Get a steak at the new Cafe Express.Photo by Michael Anthony

Dine-in service has been upgraded, too. Customers still order at a counter, but the restaurant will now deliver trays to people's tables.

“The remodel of our River Oaks restaurant marks an exciting time in the evolutionary journey of the beloved Café Express brand,” Café Express president Sarah McAloon said in a statement “Not only have we totally renovated our River Oaks location, but we have also elevated the menu and overall dining experience while maintaining prices that are in keeping with a family-friendly, craft-casual neighborhood restaurant.”

Debuting a new look represents a comeback for the restaurant, which exited the Dallas market in 2020 after operating there for more than 25 years. Plans call for opening 30 locations, 15 each in the Houston and Dallas areas, by 2030. First up will be a store in The Woodlands, according to a release.

"The beautifully remodeled River Oaks location is the first example of our expansion plan and designs,” McAloon added. “We are thrilled to breathe new energy into this pioneering restaurant concept and introduce it to a whole new generation of future Café Express lovers."

openings news-you-can-eat

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.

high-rises news-you-can-eat openings