EXACTLY EIGHT YEARS ago, friends and business partners Ashley Gooch and Andrew Pappas were putting the finishing touches on their brand-new cycling studio, RYDE, in the River Oaks Shopping Center on West Gray. Back then, Houston's boutique-fitness scene was just heating up, but the duo was certain they were on to something.
Fast forward to 2023, and the RYDE co-founders are once again finalizing a build-out — but this time, things look a little different. The brand's stunning flagship studio will open in April on West 11th Street in the heart of the Heights. The elevated, freestanding building, designed by Boucher Design Group and constructed by O'Donnell Snider Construction, boasts ample on-site parking underneath, along with dedicated bike racks — a nod to its location just a couple blocks off the Heights Hike and Bike Trail.
Renderings show a grown-up take on industrial-chic interiors, with walls of glass, cement floors and exposed support beams, and an eye-catching graffiti-style mural. The RYDE team commissioned Los Angeles-based artist Amber Goldhammer — represented by Houston's own Christopher Martin Gallery — to create a vibrant, layered, wall-size painting that can be seen from 11th Street.
RYDE Heights will offer the brand's signature 45-minute, rhythm-based spin classes in a new studio space outfitted with a custom, immersive sound and lighting system, and nearly 50 high-end Stages SC2 indoor cycling bikes. Clients can expect amenity-laden locker rooms with top-of-the-line products a la Aesop hair, body and skincare goods, and coveted Dyson blow-dryers.
Plans for the Heights studio have been in the works for more than three years — a long chapter filled with "hard work, passion and meticulous attention to detail," says Pappas in a statement. “The RYDE team is dedicated to pushing the limits of what a fitness experience can be. Our new Heights studio is a testament to that commitment, offering an unparalleled, high-energy indoor cycling experience in a stunning, expertly designed space. We are excited to welcome the Heights community to our new home and elevate their fitness journey.”
Gooch and Pappas
RYDE instructors CJ Martin, Caroline Wagner and Chris Younger
A rendering of RYDE Heights
A rendering of the locker rooms at RYDE Heights
RYDE River Oaks
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NEED DINNER IN a hurry, but want something fresh and different? Pondicheri alum Mary Cuclis recently debuted her first café, Greek-inspired Kriti Kitchen, which might be the answer to the “What’s for dinner?” question.
Cuclis started as a caterer, offering handy meals prepped for groups that were announced on her social media platforms. Its popularity segued to her current space located in Weslayan Plaza. Her new counter-serve cafe is blending both by serving scratch-made Cretan food with her own modern twist, and also offering prepared meals for take-away.
“We crafted the menu with the goal of creating quality dishes for individuals and families who are constantly on the go,” Cuclis said in a statement. The cafe offers all-day breakfast, lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Dishes are made with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients, so you might find a few surprise selections each time you visit.
Sunny and welcoming, Kriti’s breezy space is decorated with custom-built bronze and marble shelves filled with Greek olive oil, wines, and dry goods like pasta and risotto. Houston designer Allie Wood helped outfit the space. Fresh Greek-inspired baked goods are sold from a counter display, and the cooler is stocked with homemade sauces, dips, and sweets for takeaway. Expect a few covered sidewalk tables as well as indoor tables.
Chef-owner Mary Cuclis
Homemade moussaka
Greek salad
Cuclis said recipes for her Kriti menu items were derived from her own Greek roots. She comes to her new endeavor after spending time at the Michelin-starred Bo Innovation in Hong Kong and at Indian-inspired Pondicheri in Houston.
Menu items include mezze boards with beef meatballs, chicken souvlaki, dolmades, seasonal dips like tahini or tzatziki, and homemade pita or gluten-free flatbread. Vibrant Greek salads, wraps, and protein bowls round out the selections. Daily brunch features items such as the Mizithrapita – a cheese-stuffed pancake with a honey drizzle and nut crumble. To drink, look for Greek beer, wine, juices, and nonalcoholic Greek beverages including mint lemonade and a Cretan herbal tea.
Kriti proffers a rotating selection of affordable "Heat & Eat" takeout meals that can be ordered ahead of time and picked up at the restaurant on the same day. A few recent hits include the Spana omelet, moussaka, and rosemary shrimp with chive aioli and oregano-coriander flatbread. Each meal comes with a list of ingredients and serving instructions.
Winner, winner — here comes dinner!
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