The Ion to Welcome Trio of Local Restaurants by Summer

The Ion to Welcome Trio of Local Restaurants by Summer

A rendering of The Ion

THE HOTLY ANTICIPATED Ion building is slated to open soon, anchoring a 16-acre "innovation district" in Midtown. It's set in the former flagship Sears building, which opened in 1939 and was among the first air-conditioned buildings in the city, and the first department store in the world with escalators.


Thanks to Rice Management Co., which runs the Rice University endowment, the nearly 300,000-square-foot art-deco masterpiece is being revitalized. The Ion is a major business startup and technology development hub boasting classrooms, offices and workspaces, communal areas — and food and beverage offerings, which were announced today.

Three concepts will open in or around The Ion by early summer. Late August is a new restaurant from chefs Chris Williams and Dawn Burrell, who recently announced their new joint hospitality venture. Late August will be in line with Lucille's Hospitality Group's mission to "honor the past while feeding the future," homaging the bygone department-store era. (The restaurant's name itself is a tribute to when Sears would release its catalog!)

Popular Third Ward food truck STUFF'd Wings will open its first brick-and-mortar at The Ion, a fast-casual concept with addictive bone-in chicken wings and sides like seafood boudain — and, for the first time, milkshakes and loaded fries!

Rounding out the trio of concepts is an outpost of Common Bond On-the-Go, a grab-and-go-style bakery and sandwich spot.

"The new restaurants coming to The Ion and District showcase Houston's deep culinary culture and local flare that Houstonians identify and connect with," says Rice Management Company's Sam Dike. "We're excited for The Ion and District to be a place that celebrates and supports Houston's diverse entrepreneurial community."

Food
Chapman & Kirby Launches Free Concert Series for Spring

Danny Ray and the Atlantic Street Band performs May 31 (photo from dannyrayatlanticstreetband.com)

CHAPMAN & KIRBY, THE premier event destination in Houston’s East Village, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Spring Music Series, kicking off on Friday, April 12. Chapman & Kirby has become synonymous with top-tier events and unforgettable experiences, many attended by celebrities both local and worldwide. With concert ticket prices soaring to hundreds and even thousands of dollars in the last year, this eight-week music series promises to be a welcomed opportunity to engage with live music for free, showcasing an eclectic lineup of talented acts.

Keep Reading Show less

The Cottages at the Boat Basin

THERE'S A REASON that many Houstonians glorify a quaintly picturesque life on Nantucket. Actually, there are several: a storied history, charming shops, cobblestone streets, impossibly fresh oysters (and need we even mention the weather?).

Keep Reading Show less
People + Places

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