On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," restaurateurs Rob Wright and Steve Rogers join CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss their careers. Best known for their sports bar Prospect Park, the duo and two other partners teamed up last year to open The Warwick, an upscale, Southern-inspired restaurant in the former Houston's space on Westheimer.
The conversation begins with Rogers and Wright sharing how their experiences in the fashion and beauty and insurance industries, respectively, ultimately led them to become promoters who opened a bar together. In the mid-2000s, they opened Prospect Park, a lively sports bar with an elevated cocktail program that remains popular.
When the opportunity to claim the former Houston's space presented itself, Rogers and Wright saw an opportunity to open a concept that would operate at a level that would be competitive with nearby restaurants such as Pappas Bros. Steakhouse and Steak 48. In a nod to the space's history, the menu includes items such as spinach-artichoke dip and a Hawaiian ribeye.
"We didn't want to be typecast in one type of restaurant direction, i.e., the sports bar," Wright says. "We like fine dining. We like elevated experiences. Based on our travels, a combination of putting our heads together, it was what can we do to put our spin on it. We knew we had some big shoes to fill. I think we've done pretty good so far."
Listen to the full interview to hear the partners discuss Rockhouse Southern Kitchen, their new bar, restaurant, and live music venue that's opening later this year. Wright also shares plans to grow The Warwick to new markets.
Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Linda Salinas discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: Katami, the new sushi restaurant coming to Montrose from the chef and owner of Kata Robata; recent restaurant closings including Maize and Cherry Block Smokehouse; and the fire at Griff's in Montrose.
In the restaurants of the week segment, Salinas and Sandler share their first impressions of Money Cat, the new Japanese-inspired restaurant in Upper Kirby.
whats eric eating podcast steve rogers rob wright the warwick
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