Ben Berg's Mod American Diner Will Open Later This Year in the Heights

Ben Berg's Mod American Diner Will Open Later This Year in the Heights

A rendering of the forthcoming Buttermilk Baby at M-K-T

A MOD TAKE on a retro-savvy soda fountain, Ben Berg announced that his Buttermilk Baby restaurant will open this fall in the M-K-T Heights development.


Renderings of the all-American diner reveal a minimalistic yet colorful aesthetic, with neon lights and fun furniture dotting a sizable patio. As for the food? Expect Berg's spin on diner food, a la fried chicken, burgers and biscuits, served in a fast-casual setting. “Our goal is to create an experience-driven concept that evokes happy childhood memories for adults and that they can now share with their kids," said Berg, a dad of two, in a statement. "It really will be a treat for Houstonians of all ages."

Speaking of treats, Buttermilk Baby will have a mouthwatering ice-cream bar featuring Carvel soft-serve, milkshakes, sundaes and ice-cream cakes. “Carvel has my favorite soft-serve and is the originator of soft-serve ice cream," continued Berg. "With the brand being from the Northeast, I am happy to bring it to my new home. And everyone should try a Fudgie the Whale Cake at least once in their life!” (Fudgie boasts layers of ice cream, fudge, chunks of cookies and more — we're sold.)

Berg Hospitality Group is also slated to open a pair of brand-new concepts next-door to Berg's original B&B Butchers & Restaurant on Washington in April. At Benny Chows, Berg will, for the first time, explore Chinese cuisine, including dim sum bites and classics like Peking duck, along with a sure-to-be exquisite filet mignon-and-broccoli. Expect Chinese-inspired design elements and, upstairs, a rooftop bar boasting a coveted skyline view. Known as Canopy Social, the third-floor space will have a retractable roof and an indoor-outdoor decor scheme, a la rattan furniture, water features and tons of greenery.

A rendering of the forthcoming Buttermilk Baby at M-K-T

Food
Exclusive Furniture’s Sam Zavary Credits Luck, Hard Work and ‘Mom’s Prayers’ for His Success

How did you get to where you are today? I am a firm believer that hard work and having dreams that you strive to achieve will motivate and inspire people to achieve their potential. Working hard, dreaming, and making sure to take advantage of every opportunity is something I learned at a young age. I credit God and God’s grace firstly, but I know that success is a direct result of hard work. I tell my podcast subscribers and followers to continue setting goals, evolving, improving, and planning, and I practice what I preach. I am proud to have started my business in the fastest growing major city in the United States, and I attribute a lot of the success of Exclusive Furniture to the family culture we create in the best city — Houston’s diversity, philanthropy, and innovation have helped me achieve a lot of the milestones in the furniture business (and the “low prices”) you see today!

Keep Reading Show less

The patio at Toca Madera (photo by Connie Anderson)

EXPERIENTIAL, OR “VIBE,” dining has been trending for a few years now in Houston, from restaurateurs who assume that diners want more than just a meal. Well, they all just got some stiff competition with the opening of Toca Madera in the Pavilion at The Allen.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

The pool at Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands

IS A HEALTHY, balanced real estate market finally here? Per HAR data, the answer is ... kind of? Inventory is at the highest level since 2011, prices are holding steady, and the city and metro area continue to grow in population. Having lost population after Harvey and Covid, the city welcomes significant yet sustainable growth — and a housing market that can handle it.

Keep Reading Show less
Home + Real Estate