HOW DID THIS duo come about? We’re a husband-and-wife team in a family business. We met in 5th grade at Kolter Elementary School and became lifelong friends. For the record, we didn’t start dating until a few years later — and we just celebrated our 40th anniversary!
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!
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TIME TO POP the bubbles! Following its successful inaugural year in Houston, La Fête du Champagne returns this Oct. 18-19 with an immersive series of events showcasing the world’s finest Champagnes.
Powered by Pressoir, the organization behind the top French wine festivals in the country, La Fête du Champagne, which marks its 10th anniversary in New York this year, brings together the Champagne region’s top producers. From prestigious Champagne houses to boutique cult growers and everything in between, anticipate a program of tastings, seminars, and intimate dinners at top restaurants.
“Houston has such an exciting food and wine scene, and we were thrilled to bring La Fête here in 2023,” says world–renowned sommelier Daniei Johnnes. “My team at Pressoir can’t wait to return again in furtherance of our mission to share the unique world of French wine and culture with American wine lovers. Our collaboration with chef Aaron Bludorn and our exquisite participating producers is sure to result in unforgettable experiences.”
The schedule of events is below.
Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle – The Art of Assemblage
Lunch at Navy Blue, Friday, Oct. 18, 12pm. Tickets ($425) here.
Taste through 10 of Laurent-Perrier’s wines and vintages with 6 examples of Grand Siècle, including a comparison of Iteration No. 23 in bottle and in magnum. Also, late-disgorged “Les Réserves” magnums of No. 20 with Edouard Cossy will be poured. Wines will be paired with chef-owner Aaron Bludorn and executive chef Jerrod Zifchak’s seafood-forward cuisine.
A Journey Back in Time Dinner with Lanson Chef de Cave Hervé Dantan
Oct. 18, 6:30pm at Bar Bludorn. Tickets ($950) here.
Experience the glories of mature Champagne with one of Champagne’s oldest Grand Marque houses. Founded in 1760, Lanson is well known for the remarkable aging of its wines. Chef de Caves Hervé Dantan (chief winemaker) will take guests on a journey through 10 Lanson Champagnes, from younger wines to some of the best vintages of the 20th century, each poured from magnum. Owner Aaron Bludorn and executive chef Alejandra Pena will create an expertly paired tasting menu for the evening.
La Fête Champagne Tasting
Oct. 19, 12-2pm, at Bludorn. Tickets ($175) here.
For something a bit more casual, discover the magic of the terroir of Champagne — from the Côte des Blances, through the Vallée de la Marne, and the Montagne de Reims as you explore wines from the eight participating producers. Enjoy a selection of bites from chef-owner Aaron Bludorn in his eponymous restaurant.
La Fête Gala Dinner
Oct. 19, 6:30pm at Bludorn. Tickets ($725) here.
The grand culmination of La Fête du Champagne, the festival’s gala dinner celebrates the region like no other. Chefs Aaron Bludorn, Chase Voelz and team will create a luxurious multi-course menu that exquisitely celebrates the wines of Champagne. In addition to the special bottles provided by each producer, guests are invited to bring bottles from their own cellars to share throughout the room. Wine service will be conducted by an all-star team of sommeliers led by the La Fête team and Bludorn’s wine director, Molly Austad.
La Fête du Champagne Houston’s participating winemakers are Delamotte, Dom Pérignon, René Geoffroy, Lanson, Laurent-Perrier, A. Margaine, Famille Moussé, and Vilmart & Cie. Tickets for all events are available through the official La Fête du Champagne website. Further details can be found here.
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IT MAY STILL be September, but Oktoberfest has already arrived. Slightly less humid weather is beckoning revelers to hit a shaded biergarten and celebrate the season of frothy beer and savory German fare. Here are six delicious ideas on where to hoist a pint!
Bayou Heights Bier Garten
Enjoy Oktoberfest flights and food specials throughout the month. Its annual Weeniefest & Oktoberfest celebration is on Oct. 12; bring your furry friends for weenie dog races beginning at noon. Games and prizes will take over with a weenie tossing contest, stein hoisting contest, and costume contests. Goodtime Muffin will perform from 3pm-6pm.
Heights Bier Garten
Heights Bier Garten (photo by Emily Vitek)
Houstonians can celebrate the spirit of Oktoberfest and a day full of music, food, and friendly competition on Oct. 5. Doors open at 11am, and The Monicas will take the stage with live music from 6pm-10pm. Before that, games and prizes include a beer chugging contest, yodeling contest and costume contest. Reservations can be made at Resy.com or here.
Karbach Brewery
On weekends through Oct. 6, the annual Karbachtober Fest will offer an oompah band on the patio, stein-hoisting competitions, and wiener dog races. Its menu includes burgers, pizza, loaded pretzels, Korean fried chicken, and even a kid’s menu.
Little Woodrow's
Live music and stein-hoisting will be on tap this Sat., Sept. 28 at the EaDo outpost of this Texas icehouse built for fun. Also, Sept. 28, the Heights location will offer a stein relay, stein hoisting and cornhole games; meanwhile, in Bellaire, there will be backyard Oktoberfest games and more beer. If in SugarLand, bring your pup for the Dachtoberfest, or come for the stein hoisting later in the evening.
Postino
Postino's Oktoberfest special
Bring the wine drinkers, cocktail fans and beer lovers for grazing delights at this wine café. Enjoy a happy-hour draft beer pitcher of Sierra Nevada Brewery’s limited-release Oktoberfest Festbier paired with Nick’s Board. The spread features warm soft pretzels, Italian sausage and Spanish pork links, dippable pimento cheese, and pickles ($27). Specials last through Oct. 31.
Saint Arnold
Houston’s original brewery promises the biggest Oktoberfest yet. The party has already started and continues through Oct. 5, so giddy up! Oct. 2 the beer garden menu will feature Schwarzbier and brat burgers. Come back for the big weekend celebration Oct. 4 and 5 and bring your appetite for chicken schnitzel sandwiches, Big Dill pizza, brat burgers, bratwurst and sausage plates or a schnitzel plate. Featured beers made with hops from Germany include Festbier, Helles, German Pils, German-style Hefewizen and more.
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