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!
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On Sept. 6 at 6:30pm, the fete returns to the glamorous Post Oak Hotel for a philanthropic night featuring a live concert from Texas Country superstar Pat Green, who will also auction off a private concert for one lucky bidder. Houston PetSet co-presidents (and beautiful twins!) Tama Lundquist and Tena Lundquist Faust will co-chair, as they have since the first gala in 2010, and Deborah Duncan will return as the entertaining emcee to guide guests through an evening of retrospection and celebration. Guests should anticipate a delightful dinner followed by the concert and then a VIP set with Pat Green at the end.
Beyond the posh annual fundraising gala, the rest of the year means lots of hard work for the Houston PetSet staff, many of whom are volunteers. The organization is involved in collecting pet supply donations, organizing adoption events, filing cruelty prevention reports, research and community outreach, micro chipping events, and transporting animals — even out-of-state. In July, after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on the community, including animal shelters and foster-family homes, PetSet coordinated a delivery of food and supplies, and also sent dozens of homeless dogs to a group in Minnesota. Additionally, with the help of partner organizations, PetSet offers free community vaccine events and spay and neuter services.
For its 20th birthday, Houston PetSet will be honoring 20 Houstonians who have left an indelible mark on the lives of animals and their people in Houston. These “20 for 20” have made the work of Houston PetSet possible through their commitment and generosity.
“We can’t think of a better way to celebrate 20 years than honoring 20 others who have been on this mission with Houston PetSet,” says Lundquist.
“Houston’s stray animal crisis is finally getting the attention that is needed to solve the problem. We know that this year is not just an important year for HPS, it is also a pivotal year for the animals,” adds Faust.
Tickets, tables and sponsorship opportunities are available at FierceFabulous2024.
PetSet Houston team on Great Day Houston
Pat Green
Hungry's Tanglewood
Hungry's
The Mediterranean healthful hot spot with locations in West Memorial and Rice Village has opened a beautiful new cafe on Woodway, in the adjoining spaces that previously housed Le Peep and Barnaby's. The giant Tanglewood outpost has been in the works for years, and the families that own the brand have taken this opportunity to turn over the reins to the next generation of restaurateurs. Expect the same great bar program and weekend brunch, plus expanded innovative offerings in the plant-based category, which has kept Hungry's relevant (and tasty) over the decades (think roasted-beet "poke"). There's also a lively patio, tree-lined and boasting seats at the indoor-outdoor bar.
Common Bond
Common Bond Tanglewood
Common Bond is another Houston favorite that recently tapped into the Tanglewood market. Taking over Local Foods' former spot on San Felipe at Bering, the coffeeshop known for its croissants as big as your face seems right at home in the light-filled, soaring, two-story space. This one is a "bistro and bakery" location, like the original one in Montrose, with counter service for breakfast, brunch and lunch, and seated dinner with hearty offerings. Get cozy in a camel-leather-upholstered booth, or opt for the urbane patio once the mercury drops.
Coffee Fellows
Coffee Fellows Bellaire (photo by Andrew Hemingway via Heirloom Interactive)
Speaking of Common Bond: The former On-the-Go outpost on Eldridge will soon become Coffee Fellows, one of four new locations of the Euro-chic coffeeshop brand that plans to massively grow its footprint in the region. After opening two successful cafes in Katy and Bellaire, Coffee Fellows North America announced its Energy Corridor location in Eldridge will open in September, followed by ones in Katy Mills Mall and Cypress before the end of the year. Its sixth outpost will open in Pearland in 2025. In a release, Coffee Fellows says it combines "European charm and American convenience," providing customers with an inviting and cozy environment to work, gather, and relax. "Our 'Feel at Home' promise is at the heart of everything we do," said CEO Daniel Ogbonna. "We proudly offer free alternative milks, free Wi-Fi, and high-quality food and beverages served on china. We aim to provide a second living room where our guests become our family."
State of Grace
Baguette and caviar butter at State of Grace
River Oaks fave State of Grace has announced it will reboot as a nostalgia-inspired steakhouse in September. Chef-proprietor Ford Fry, along with his VP of culinary, Drew Belline, and chefs Bobby Matos and John Quinn, dreamed up the new menu of wood-fired steaks, classic entrees, shareable sides and seafood specials, all catering to the vibe of "Golden Age of Dining," per a release. What's that, you ask? It's a time when "servers remember your drink order and steak temperature, continental cuisine and perfectly executed classics reign supreme, and guests are invited to wile away the languid Texas days with friends." There will be savory bread service with spreads and dips to start, and a Texas-size pecan ball to cap off a hearty meal. And the interiors got a refresh, too: Expect a lot more "quirky and whimsical" art and decor, with plenty of brass and leather, a nod to the OG design.
Galveston Island Wine Festival
Fish Company Taco's Dirty South taco (photo by Becca Wright)
Embrace the heat and humidity at the Galveston Island Wine Festival, Aug. 30-Sept. 1, at Moody Gardens. There's a chef duel on Friday, in which seven competitors including David Cordua will create dishes to pair with vino from the globe's seven wine regions. And Saturday and Sunday bring morning yoga sessions, live music, al fresco brunch, and tastings in cool corners of Moody Gardens including the Aquarium Pyramid! Of course, there's also delicious food, and guests can get an exclusive sneak peek of beloved Fish Company Taco's brand-new menu.
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