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Hip new runway looks mix with sexy streetwear and vintage finds for a fresh take on cowboy cool — just in time for Rodeo.
Feb. 12, 2018

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.
Whom do you credit? MP: I guess I could say that retail is in my blood. My grandfathers on both sides owned men’s clothing stores and my dad opened M PENNER in 1974, so a great deal of credit goes to them. Dad had incredible vision and created a unique niche in Houston’s menswear landscape in the mid 1970’s by focusing on European fashion brands and styles. He quickly became known as a maverick in the industry, bucking the predominantly “American brand trend” of the time. A great deal of credit also goes to the people who work with us, from the sales team to the tailor shop. I also credit Karen and my son, Jeremy, whose dedication keeps us grounded and focused.
What is it like running a family-owned business? Chaos. But seriously, through ups and downs, for us, it’s the best of the best. We get to set the tone and define the culture of the business. Our employees are our family and we treat our clients like family, too. There is a noticeable warmth that permeates the atmosphere at M PENNER and we love that. When you run a family owned business, the bottom line is clear - the buck stops with us.
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? While running a family business certainly can be chaotic, the truth is that it is also very gratifying. And that’s because we have learned a few important lessons. Have clearly defined roles and be clear about who makes the final decision. Find your niche in the market and stay in your lane. Clarify your goals and refer to them repeatedly to stay on track. Hire great people; trust them and let them shine. Stash the cash - in our 50-year history, there have been great years and there have been tough years. Keep enough money in the bank to help get through the tough years. Pay attention to the details. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
What is your biggest accomplishment? MP: It goes backwards and it goes forwards - being in business for 50 years and carrying on the legacy of my dad’s vision and now working with my son in the store. Being known in the men’s specialty store industry as one of the best stores in the country is extremely gratifying. We can’t wait to celebrate our 50th in December!
THE TRUFFLE MASTERS is returning for its 11th year on March 3rd. Now a Houston tradition of sorts, the competition sees top chefs creating a dish using black truffles all benefitting Southern Smoke.
Thirty chefs are competing including new Michelin star laureates Chef Michaela Arzola of March and Chef Felipe Botero of Le Jardinier. Other restaurants participating include Uchi, Okto, The Kennedy, Hidden Omakase and Leo’s.
In a first for The Truffle Masters, a cocktail competition has been added! VIP guests will be able to to sample creations by Javier Ruano of BCN/MAD, Afzal Kaba of Musaafer, Fredy Nunez and Mo Jalal of Wild and Wooster’s Garden before a panel of judges will award The Truffle Masters' first-ever Cocktail Master. Cheers!
Southern Smoke Foundation is dedicated to providing emergency relief, mental health services and financial assistance to food and beverage industry workers in crisis. Founded by Chris Shepherd, Southern Smoke has distributed over $10 million in direct assistance to hospitality professionals facing medical emergencies, natural disasters and unexpected hardships.
The competition takes place The Revaire and tickets are available here.
A new look from the soft landings collection
FROM THE OWNERS of popular Montrose haunts Traveler’s Table and Traveler’s Cart is another jetset-focused business. Owners Thy and Matthew Mitchell launched Foreign Fare in the fall of 2023 with long-haul travelers in mind. The pieces are wrinkle-free and designed to be functional as well as stylish. The line was recently featured in Travel & Leisure as a “first class look.”
The Spring 2025 collection includes three new concepts. The soft landing collection is ultra-plush and made for hitting the streets after an overseas flight. The zip away vest can be worn three ways and is meant to be layered — ideal for going from humid Houston to a cooler destination. And, the PaperChic pants offer an elastic waistband in the back for a comfortable but flattering fit.
“I am thrilled to debut these new styles for Foreign Fare, expanding our collection to meet the needs of today’s modern, stylish traveler,” said Thy. “Inspired by my own travels, I designed these pieces to seamlessly combine sophistication and practicality to offer essentials that elevate the travel experience. I can’t wait to see others embrace them on their adventures.”
Take a look at the Spring 2025 collection below.
The soft landings collection
The soft landings collection
The zip away vest
The PaperChic pant