an unexpected split
Bobby Heugel and Justin Yu announce surprise split with chic Galveston boutique hotel set to open this summer
The Hotel Lucine has made a big change.
A Galveston hotel's plans to partner with two of Houston's brightest culinary stars has come to an abrupt end. Bobby Heugel and chef Justin Yu have ended their professional relationship with Hotel Lucine.
A representative provided the following statement on behalf of the hotel and Thorough Fare Hospitality, Heugel and Yu's company behind five of Houston's most prominent restaurants and bars — Anvil, Theodore Rex, Squable, Better Luck Tomorrow, and Refuge:
Hotel Lucine and Thorough Fare have mutually decided to end their collaboration on Food & Beverage at Hotel Lucine. Hotel Lucine appreciates the creativity and dedication Justin Yu and Bobby Heugel have contributed to the project, which is slated to open summer 2023 in Galveston, Texas. Additional details on Hotel Lucine and its signature restaurant The Fancy will be announced soon.
The representative confirms that the hotel has retained executive chef Leila Ortiz to lead The Fancy. She politely declined to comment on any specific reasons for why Hotel Lucine and Thorough Fare made this decision.
Prior to today's announcement, the hotel had retained Heugel and Yu to serve as operating partners for the food and beverage offerings. In addition to The Fancy, those venues will include The Den, an all-day restaurant and lobby bar, and a rooftop bar.
When it opens this summer, Hotel Lucine will be located on the site of the historic Treasure Isle Motel at 10th and Seawall. The 61-room boutique hotel will feature an interior courtyard pool, a rooftop with 180-degree views, and a private beach. Austin-based design firm Kartwheel Studio’s plans call for preserving the building’s midcentury feel with details such as white brick, bleached white oak, and native greenery.
Hotel Lucine's partners possess strong Galveston ties. They include: Dave Jacoby, a finance and hospitality developer who also serves as president of the board of the Galveston Historical Foundation; Robert Marcus, who has a background in real estate and hotels; and Galveston native Keath Jacoby, a marketing executive who recently worked with Vision Galveston.
