For the past few weeks, various construction crews began working to repurpose empty buildings across East Montgomery County with restaurant concepts such as Russo’s New York Pizzeria, BB’s Tex-Orleans, Puebloritaville Mexican Kitchen and Rosati’s Pizza and Sports Pub.
Bringing new life into unoccupied buildings is commonly referred to as adaptive reuse which is important because it allows for new businesses to reuse existing buildings, generate revenue in these spaces, and provide an option for residents to enjoy lunch or dinner. Also, adaptive reuse is both appealing and practical because businesses can save money by reducing certain costs.
“It is critically important to transition an empty building to a business we need in EMC such as a seafood restaurant like BB’s,” EMCID President/CEO Frank McCrady said. “Typically, the first step a business needs to do when opening a new location is to build a new building, but with repurposing, these buildings are already constructed and will need some remodeling work. In most cases, there is not a huge rebuild on the building, so it is more cost-efficient and quicker than a complete rebuild.”
Restaurant concepts are not the only ones to engage in adaptive reuse in EMC. Command Energy, located in the East Montgomery County Industrial Park, moved into an existing empty industrial facility several years ago when they were looking to relocate to EMC.
Puebloritaville Mexican Kitchen
Puebloritaville – Mexican Kitchen, a sister restaurant of the Pueblo Viejo restaurants, will open a new restaurant in the former Coals Smokehouse restaurant located at 25069 FM 2090 in Splendora. The owners have not released an opening date yet but have worked steadily to renovate the new location.
Russo’s New York Pizzeria
Russo’s New York Pizzeria will open a new location in Valley Ranch Town Center in June 2021.
“We offer chef special dishes that are very unique, such as burrata pizzas, truffle mushroom pasta & pizza, homemade gnocchi pasta, osso buco ravioli, along with gourmet salads, sandwiches, and appetizers,” said Anthony Russo, CEO and Founder of Russo’s New York Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen.
BB’s Tex-Orleans
BB’s Tex-Orleans is remodeling its newest location in EMC at 25635 Hwy. 59 where Pollo Tropical was located, next to Panda Express.
Featuring NOLA-style po’boys, homemade gumbo, crawfish, an oyster bar, seafood boil choices, fried seafood, and Texas and Louisiana-inspired cocktails; BB’s is expected to open in late 2021.
Rosati’s Pizza and Sports Pub
Rosati’s Pizza will open its fifth franchise in Texas with the newest franchisees, Calvin Dodson and his partner Darren Frankenberger, who plan to open a Rosati’s sports pub located at 25661 Hwy. 59 in the summer of 2021.
Calvin and Darren are excited about the location they picked because the location offers a highly trafficked shopping center with a major grocery store retailer and is right off Hwy. 59/69.
“Rosati’s success and family-owned environment piqued our interest but their food sealed the deal,” co-franchise owner Calvin Dodson said. “We are very impressed with their corporate environment and look forward to providing authentic Chicago-style pizza in the Kingwood area.”