IT’S THAT TIME of year again — already! — and The Union Kitchen is honoring teachers and educators with a gratis brunch this weekend at all locations.

On Aug. 10 and 11, teachers and educators would be smart to show up from 9am until 2pm to enjoy a leisurely brunch before school begins the following week. This promotion falls hot on the heels of the concept's generous Kids Eat Free promotion that ran throughout June and July.

As a matter of fact, a total of 7,760 kids' meals were gifted this summer — including 1,250 kids' pizzas, 1,000 chicken tenders, and 1,500 of Houston’s best pancakes — saving parents in Houston $62,080. Led by restaurateur Paul Miller and his wife, Doris Miller, Gr8 Plate Hospitality runs The Union Kitchen's five Houston-area restaurants. The hospitality group also owns and operates local favorites Jax Grill, Passerella and Vine Memorial, a wine-bar-slash-café.

“As parents, we are deeply indebted to the tireless efforts of the teachers and educational support staff who have sparked inspiration in our children throughout their school years,” said Paul. “This is our way of paying it forward to these passionate people who selflessly shape young minds daily.”

It will be worth getting up early for a scratch-made spread of classics like biscuits and gravy, a pancake plate and The Union Kitchen Bowl. The latter is a hearty signature favorite comprised of scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, breakfast potatoes and veggies topped with shredded cheddar cheese. The Union Kitchen’s expansive “locally famous” weekend brunch and cocktail menu also are on offer, along with $1 espresso martini shots, $6 espresso martinis and the popular $19 Build-Your-Own-Bubbles deal.

The exclusive deal applies to teachers and staff with a current, valid school identification card. (And the offer is not available to-go, sorry!) All five of The Union Kitchen locations in Greater Houston will be participating including Memorial (77024), Oak Forest (77018), Cypress (77433), Katy (77494), and Kingwood (77339).