A rapidly-growing Houston coffee company will open its first brick and mortar location this week. Maven Coffee begins service at the Thompson Hotel on Wednesday, May 1 (1717 Allen Parkway).

Photo by Becca Wright

Maven is known for its espresso martini and carajillo.

Located on the hotel’s first floor, Maven Coffee has a dedicated entrance near the valet stand. Founded by Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and his business partners, the new location builds on Maven Coffee’s success operating carts at Minute Maid Park and Toyota Center. Designed to be both a cafe and a cocktail bar, it will serve coffee in the morning with cocktails, wine, and beer beginning at 10 am daily.

Like the carts, Maven Coffee at the Thompson Hotel serves coffee and coffee-based cocktails such as the espresso martini and carajillo. Having a dedicated space allows the cafe and bar to expand its offerings with teas, pastries, sandwiches, and sweets. On the beverage side, Maven will offer cocktails such as the Xoco Fizz (Japanese whisky, banana, Xoco, Maven, and cream) and the Conversation Starter with (gin, passionfruit, chai, mint and honey) as well as wines including Domaine de la Villaudiere Sancerre and Château Saint Sulpice Bordeaux Rouge 2020.

Created by chef Nicolás “Nico” Baizán de Aldecoa, the food menu starts with three sandwiches — Truffle Grilled Cheese on a croissant, Jamon and Cheese, and a vegetable sandwich. They’re joined by croissants and sweets. Maven serves breads from Magnol French Baking, croissants from Love Croissants, and juices by JuiceWell.

The interior features artwork from Segreto Finishes and Serrano Gallery, including paintings by Oaxacan artist Didier Mayés. Works by other Mexican artists will regularly rotate through the cafe and bar.

“Our Maven carts have received incredible feedback from Houstonians and visitors asking for more,” McCullers said in a statement. “We knew we were ready to expand, and Thompson Houston was the perfect place for our first location. It’s a stunning space designed to welcome hotel guests, local residents, downtown commuters, and everyone in between.”

McCullers is joined in the venture by his business partners in the Rex Hospitality Group, Juan Carlos Martinez de Aldecoa and Jimmy Doan. Maven previously announced it will open a location in Sawyer Yards later this year.

The pitcher is currently in the middle of a five-year, $85 million contract that runs through the 2026 season. Currently rehabilitating an injury, he last pitched for the Astros in 2022.