Houston/ Food & Drinks
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Published on December 07, 2023
Houston Dining Scene Suffers Losses as Iconic Restaurants Close Due to Economic HurdlesSource: Unsplash/ Masaaki Komori

Houston's dining scene is facing a shakeup with a slew of restaurant closures that are giving the boot to both new and iconic establishments across the city. Eater Houston reports that the cuts include everything from a neighborhood grocery to a long-standing Vietnamese restaurant forced to shut down due to soaring rents.

Common Bond, a bakery chain, shuttered two locations, blindsiding patrons who had turned to social media, trying to unravel the mystery behind the closures. In an email, a company representative confirmed, Despite the setbacks, this local favorite still operates its bistro locations in Montrose, the Heights, Spring, and the Medical Center, alongside six Common Bond On-The-Go outposts.

Little Red Box Grocery, the brainchild of Samuel Newman, fell victim to harsh commercial realities, as highlighted by Eater Houston after its last day on December 3.

Kim Son in Stafford was once a bustling hub of Vietnamese cuisine. An alarming rent hike forced the closure of the Strafford location after nearly a quarter-century. “We have cherished every moment of serving you, creating memorable dining experiences, and being part of your celebrations and gatherings,” the owners expressed on their social media, as recounted by Chron.com. The Bellaire and Downtown area locations, however, remain unaffected.

Another heavy blow struck when the mother-son establishment, Andy's Cafe in the Heights, shut down after grappling with a major real estate developer encroaching on its turf. The outcome—decreased customers—forced the iconic Tex-Mex joint to close in July after a nearly 50-year run, signaling a deep loss for the community. Similarly, Pho Binh by Night closed for good, as highlighted by Chron.com