Murry & Karen Penner
What’s unique about your team and how does the relationship benefit the business? Our team is part of our family; many of us have worked together since we were in our twenties, so we’ve literally grown up together.
Throughout the year we have many events where our brand representatives come to the store. Without exception, they tell us that our team is the best they’ve seen. This sentiment is validated often by customers who send notes of appreciation (and occasional bottles of tequila) for an experience that exceeded their expectations.
We are very proud of these accolades and credit our staff for their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. They love to share their interests beyond the fashion world, too; so, if you want to know anything about biking or scuba diving, great vacation spots, or dining recommendations, just ask. On top of that, they’re just a lot of fun to be around.
Tell us about your business. What’s special about what you do and how you do it? In a nutshell, we help men live their best lives in style.
We are unique in Houston by offering a curated collection of both established and artisan luxury brands, along with best of class casual offerings, all together, under one roof. We have been experts in the custom business for over 40 years and offer made-to-measure services from the most sought-after brands in the world, including Zegna, Kiton, Isaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Santarelli, Sartorio, and more. We have what many consider to be the best tailor shop in town, and we offer complimentary alterations, closet consultation, private appointments, style advising, and local delivery.
The M Penner Team: Judy Penner, Jeremy Penner, Cody Sever, Karen Penner, Belinda Hillhouse, Jesus Alfaro, Joel Choney, Andrea Irizzary, Whitney Wiggins, Murry Penner (not pictured – Javier Aceves)
What would you be willing to share with others about the secret of success as a duo? We are often asked how we can be married, work together, and not kill each other — how that works. The easy answer is we trust each other. We share great satisfaction in seeing the business and our employees grow and prosper. On occasions where there is conflict, the answer is simple. The buck stops with Murry … at the store. At home, it’s a … well, another interview!
And what makes for an effective team in retail? Everyone on the team works together, so a culture of mutual respect and trust is fundamental. We’re fortunate to have great synergy here that enhances the experiences of both our team and our customers.
Our team works hard, and they are really talented. To keep things fun, we like to have contests that involve games like winning poker hands and “stealing the $20.” We also set team goals, and it’s wonderful to see how the team always pulls together and encourages each other so everyone wins.
What’s up next? What can you share about your plans for 2023? After 17 years at this location, it’s time for a refresh and we’re embarking on a renovation early next year. We’re also planning something special next year to celebrate 50 years in business. Stay tuned!
Kira (photo via @kirahtx)
Credence
Credence (photo by Brian Kennedy)
After much anticipation, restaurateur Levi Goode’s two new upscale concepts — Credence and Sidebar, the first under his own name — will open Aug. 20 on the ground level of The McKinley in Memorial City. Both emphasize hospitality with traditional tableside service for salads, carved meats from the hearth, desserts and more. Credence’s menu is South Texas ranch-inspired with regional American fare paying homage to Texas culinary traditions and live-fire. Think Fire Roasted Seafood Tower, Sweetwater Whole Duck and Wild Gulf Snapper served with trout roe, cooked on a custom-made hearth. Expect an extensive raw bar, and at brunch, look for Southern classics like shrimp and grits.
Sidebar
Sidebar (photo by Brian Kennedy)
Inspired by the Texas oil boom of the early 1900s, Sidebar is a reservation-only restaurant and cocktail bar. The food menu spotlights classic elevated American fare with dishes like dry-aged steaks, oysters topped with caviar and more. Designed in partnership with Gensler, Credence and Sidebar are influenced by classical European architecture, with a procession of arches used as a central design feature throughout and a double barrel-vaulted ceiling. Locally crafted tabletops, wood floors, brass inlays, penny tile and hand-selected antique rugs are additional polished elements with swagger. Find patio seating at Sidebar as well as Credence.
Kira
Kira
New to Upper Kirby, Kira from Comma Hospitality follows on the heels of the group’s contemporary Japanese omakase hideaway, Neo. The sushi bar features hand rolls with a soundtrack of Japanese city pop. Interiors are designed to evoke the tranquil, powerful nature of a cave, creating an intimate dining environment to focus on the culinary and auditory experience. Menu highlights include a Seasonal Sashimi Set with swordfish from Nova Scotia, kanpachi from Kyushu, and madai from Mie, Japan; a lox bagel temaki with applewood smoked ocean trout, chives, and freeze-dried sour cream; and scallop crudo. Premium donburi with uni, maguro, ikura, masu, and kasusuke pickles, and seasonal Kakigori made using a Japanese shaved ice maker are other specialties. Cocktails are inventive, like the 15 Step made with applewood-bacon-washed tequila, cucumber and yuzu.
Plume
Plume (photo by Michael Anthony)
Houston’s bar industry seems to be competing for showiest cocktail lounge, so no surprise another one has taken flight. This high-energy cocktail bar in the Heights, the first project from Golden Ratio Hospitality Group, sports peacock panache in Art-Deco-inspired interiors. "Plume is designed to make you feel at home, whether you're out with friends or on a date," said co-owner Ted Baker. Getting thirsty? The Chili Kissed Avocado Margarita is made with chili-oil-washed tequila and avocado cordial with a rim of chamoy and spicy salt. Rich and Dirty is fashioned with Kastra Elion Vodka, extra-virgin vermouth, and housemade olive brine, shaken and served with a blue-cheese-stuffed olive. Tapas-style bites run the gamut from meatballs in chipotle ragoût with Parmesan to bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with Stilton.
Sugar Factory American Brasserie
Smoky goblets, mountainous sundaes and eye-popping brunch featuring every color of the rainbow (really!) have made their way to Houston’s Galleria, and shoppers seem to be curious what the celeb hype is about. Said to be a favorite of the Kardashians, comedian Kevin Hart and Britney Spears, the international hotspot specializing in sugar offers savory American classics as well (we all know celebs don’t eat sweets). Anticipate Angus burgers with “super cheesy sauce,” Cajun penne Alfredo, and salads like pan-roasted salmon. Splurge-worthy “Insane Milkshakes” are massive and topped with the kitchen sink – there’s a waffle ice cream version, and even one for Barbie!
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