CityBook’s Second Annual ‘Cool 100’ Issue Features Sexy Actor Fitch on Cover

CityBook’s Second Annual ‘Cool 100’ Issue Features Sexy Actor Fitch on Cover

THE SECOND ANNUAL “Cool 100” issue of Houston CityBook begins hitting newsstands and mailboxes tomorrow, highlighting the magazine’s ranking from 1 to 100 of the coolest Houstonians of the moment.


A handsome young local actor — Johann Fitch, who made a big splash in a small role in last fall’s Netflix hit Obliterated — appears on the cover. Fitch, coming in at number 79 on the 2024 list, turned in a revealing performance as a stripper. But the 23-year-old artist, also an accomplished soccer player, is much more than the Champagne Room show-off he plays in zany cop comedy. He graduates this month from UH with an economics degree, and he’s soon headed west to pursue acting full-time in Hollywood.

“We wanted the list to be surprising, sexy and fun,” says Editor-in-Chief Jeff Gremillion. “That’s what led us to Johann. He’s a great guy, and the camera loves him. He makes an ideal coverguy. We’re excited for his success and can’t wait to see what he does next. In some ways, he’s the epitome of the risk-taking, hold-nothing-back Houstonians who populate our Cool 100 list each year.”

Jhane Hoang, long a go-to photographer for CityBook, shot the young actor for the cover. Hoang also shot the previous cover of the magazine.

The rest of the list, including the number-one coolest person in Houston now, will be revealed soon. Sponsors for the Cool 100 include Exclusive Furniture, Le Tesserae, Jackson & Company, Bentley Houston, Insólito tequila and Avenue 360 Health & Wellness.

The new issue also includes stories on Houston’s best French restaurants and, in the travel section, reviews of fabulous new hotels in Paris and London.

Leadership in Action: Entrepreneur Saba Syed of Moroccan Bath Determined to Build ‘Lasting Legacy’

Saba Syed, Founder of Oasis Moroccan Bath

How did you get to where you are today? My journey began with a need to be financially independent and an even a deeper drive to create a lasting legacy. The centuries-old Hammam tradition has always fascinated me—not just for its relaxation benefits, but for its holistic approach to cleansing the body, mind, and soul. So, combining my passion with a vision to bring an authentic yet luxurious Hammam spa experience to Houston, I took the leap less than two years ago to open my own spa.

Keep Reading Show less

How did you get to where you are today? My journey to where I am today is built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Every step along the way, I faced obstacles, but I approached each one with determination and a “never give up” mindset. Instead of being discouraged by challenges, I used them as opportunities to grow and improve. Consistency was key—I committed to showing up and giving my best effort every day. I also learned not to take “no” as a final answer. Instead, I saw it as a chance to push harder, adapt, and find another way forward. It’s this combination of persistence, resilience, and unwavering focus that has brought me to where I am today.

Keep Reading Show less

Murry & Karen Penner, Owners, M PENNER

How did you get where you are today? We’ve stayed true to the vision of the store’s founder, Morris Penner, who relentlessly sought out unique product, with exceptional quality being a key element. Morris always used to say, “The fastest way to lose a customer is to bore him” and we agree. A percentage of every season’s budget is allocated to something new and unique. While product is key, it’s not enough. Having an excellent staff and discipline in business practices is also critical.

Keep Reading Show less