dun huang destination

New Chinatown restaurant serves up AYCE sushi and more for $37

The couple behind two of Houston's most dynamic Asian restaurants has added a third concept to their portfolio. Seven Sushi & Robata is the latest project from Grace and Leo Xia.

Located in the former Fu Fu Restaurant space within essential Chinatown shopping center Dun Huang Plaza (9889 Bellaire Blvd, Ste. E209), Seven Sushi & Robata is an all-you-can-eat restaurant that serves sushi, grilled items (robata), and appetizers. The couple also operate Chinese restaurant Duck N Bao and all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue concept Hongdae 33, which is also located in Dun Huang Plaza.

“Chinatown on Bellaire is one of the most exciting dining destinations, and because we already have another restaurant in the plaza, it’s easy to manage both,” Grace Xia said in a statement. “There aren’t many all-you-can-eat sushi restaurants in the area, and with so many offices nearby, we wanted to offer something fresh and approachable for lunch or dinner. And if Hongdae has an overflow crowd, we can suggest guests visit Seven for robata so they can still get their barbecue fix.”

Similar to Hongdae 33’s $36, all-you-can-eat menu, Seven Sushi offers diners the choice of a $37 or $57 menu. The $37 offering includes dozens of choices such as:

Sushi and Sashimi: Salmon, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, octopus, etc.
Classic sushi rolls: Tuna, spicy tuna, salmon, spicy salmon, Philadelphia, California, etc.
House sushi rolls: Caterpillar, Houston, Volcano, etc.
Cold appetizers: Octopus crudo, black pepper tuna, salmon with mango salsa, etc.
Hot appetizers: Gyoza, takoyaki, spring roll, tempura, etc.
Robata: Chicken skin, chicken wing, teriyaki chicken thigh, Japanese sausage, etc.

Stepping up to the $57 menu brings access to more premium items, including:

Sushi and sashimi: Whole scallop, bluefin tuna, salmon belly
Cold appetizers: Yellowtail and jalapeno, truffle salmon sashimi, scallop with seared krab and fish egg
House sushi rolls: Toro jalapeno, OMG, Chirashi
Robata: Galbi, Hawaiian ribeye, Cajun shrimp, garlic butter shrimp

The restaurant’s extensive beverage program includes wine, beer, sake, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options. Like the food, they’re affordable, with beers at $4 or $6, wines starting at $10 per glass, and cocktails priced at $11 or $15.

The 4,000-square-foot space seats 160. The Xias worked with the same designer as they employed for both Duck N Bao and Hongdae 33 to created a space that stone tiles, brass accents, and a blend of traditional Japanese and Chinese elements.

“I feel really good about this one,” Grace Xia added. “The design is very different from Hongdae’s, but like all our restaurants, we’re sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients at a fair price. We want everyone to enjoy good food at a reasonable value.”

The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:30 am until midnight. It does not accept reservations. Dining is limited to two hours.

Seven Sushi and Robata restaurant exterior

Photo by Jenn Duncan

Seven Sushi & Robata has claimed the former Fu Fu Restaurant space in Chinatown.

Big Burger Deal

New owner plans thoughtful growth for Texas burger chain Hopdoddy

Hopdoddy/Facebook

It sounds like growth is coming for Hopdoddy Burger Bar.

Austin-born chain Hopdoddy Burger Bar is now under new ownership. Founders Table Restaurant Group has acquired the burger business and aims to apply its "robust non-traditional licensing program" as it grows, a press release says.

Hopdoddy was founded in 2010 and now has 47 locations across the U.S., including more than 30 in Texas and 10 across the Houston area. It combines a fast-casual atmosphere with a gourmet ethos, serving burgers piled high with specialty ingredients like goat cheese, roasted tomatoes instead of slices, habaneros, and a variety of sauces. Non-beef patties are another specialty, including chicken, ahi tuna, and vegetable patties.

Founders Table has more than 200 restaurants across 18 states in its portfolio. Those include Protein Bar & Kitchen, Chopt, Dos Toros, and Field Trip. According to a press release, each of its brands emphasizes regional development.

Restaurant Business reported that the company would "continue to target non-traditional venues, including healthcare, education and transportation centers." That could mean that diners can expect to see more Hopdoddy locations in non-traditional spaces. The release does confirm that the acquisition means growth is coming.

"Hopdoddy is a standout brand with all the ingredients we look for: a differentiated concept, passionate guest loyalty, and a commitment to quality that resonates across markets," says Founders Table CEO Nick Marsh in the release. "We strongly believe in the power of the Founder's Table platform to accelerate growth, and this partnership marks an exciting step forward as we help Hopdoddy scale thoughtfully while staying true to the guest experience at the heart of the brand.”

Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler will transition to an advisory role, ending 10 years in the top position. In February of this year, Chandler told Restaurant Business that he hoped to 14-16 new locations per year sometime after 2029. At the time, the brand was owned by private equity firm L Catterton. Harrington Park Advisors advised Hopdoddy on the transition.

Kenny Jett, formerly VP of operations, will become Hopdoddy's president.

"I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand what makes this brand so special — from our incredible team members to the loyal guests who support us every day," says Jett in the release. "I'm honored to step into this role and excited to build on the strong foundation we've created as we continue growing the brand."

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