New Porsche Dealership's Grand-Opening Bash Shifts the Social Season into High Gear

Daniel Ortiz
New Porsche Dealership's Grand-Opening Bash Shifts the Social Season into High Gear

Cindy Baxter, Carmen Garcia, Vanessa Rodriguez

AUGUST IS HERE, and while the social season is still a ways away, some revelers kicked things into gear early at the grand opening of Porsche River Oaks.


Located on Greenbriar at 59, the two-story, 40,000-square-foot dealership — one of the country's largest — opened its doors for hundreds of Houstonians who were greeted with flutes of Veuve Clicquot topped with sugar cubes touting the Porsche logo. Many raised a glass for the 360 photo booth and posed for photos in front of the glittering step-and-repeat before heading into the main event.

On the first floor, partygoers encountered entertainment in the form of musicians, motion-tracking and interactive art installations, and a cocktail-chemistry station serving drinks in glasses that looked like tailpipes. There was also a pop-up nightclub carved out of the dealership's shop, boasting more bars and motion-activated elements — and bumping music, obviously. Country singer Clint Black also performed a surprise set.

Upstairs, the music, courtesy of a "rockestra" trio, lent a different feel. Bites included truffle-topped pastas, fresh salads and more from Monarch Hospitality. And Porsche's Fitting Lounge, where car-buyers customize their rides down to the shift knobs, was on this night a makeshift watch boutique showcasing Porsche timepieces. Throughout the space, vintage and collectible vehicles were parked, as were sculptures by Johans Lamic, who uses the iconic 930 turbo spoiler in his art.

The event, executed by Deborah Elias and her team, concluded with the distribution of pina-colada popsicles — a perfect way to keep guests cool on this August night. Spotted in the crowd: Roger Clemens, Brian Ching, newscasters Jennifer Reyna and Miya Shay, and Porsche execs Kjell Gruner and Jeff Dyke.

Jose Muñoz, Rambo Fiorotto, Ricardo Fojas, Jason Sarmiento, Jules Sarmiento

Jodi and Jeff Dyke with Clint Black and Roger Clemens

Anna and John Reger

Christine Tennant and Cesar Lopez

Deborah Elias

Art by Johans Lamic

Tamara Washington, Cheri Green

Susan Frania

Ramzi and Alex Reda

Lisa Gochman, Dominque McGhee

Maria Bassa, Beth Muecke

Clint Black performing

Parties
Top Realtor Beth Wolff Says Her Career Took Off ‘When I Focused on Others’
How did you get where you are today? “Life is what happens while you’re making plans.” After graduating with a BBA from the University of Texas, I married, and was a stay-at-home mom. Divorcing when my children were just four and six, I became their sole supporter, and I chose real estate for the time flexibility and income potential. After four years working for another Broker, I founded my own company with one sales associate and 375 square feet. Little did I imagine this journey. Houston offers amazing opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and persevere! I have watched the city mature with the addition of all the wonderful, talented people from around the country and around the world who have made Houston their home. It was once said that Houston had a “can do, cowboy capitalism attitude.”
Keep Reading Show less

Surf lessons are taught by handsome Australian instructors

THE PERSONAL SERVICE starts as soon as guests clear customs at the Maldives’ Malé Velana international airport. Visitors are whisked away in a speedboat to the Gili Lankanfushi resort, reminiscent of the opening scene of a new White Lotus season. While sipping a ginger juice, guests’ shoes are taken off and feet are cleaned. Then they’re handed back their belongings, in a bag labeled “No news, no shoes” — Gili’s mantra.

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

Listed by Kim Perdomo with the Perdomo Group, 290 Knipp was under contract after just five days.

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