Slowpokes is sliding into Sawyer Yards, taking over the corner space that previously housed Maven Coffee + Cocktails. The locally grown coffee-and-wine shop plans to turn the high-visibility spot into an all-day cafe serving coffee, sandwiches, flatbreads, and evening pours. The takeover follows Maven's early January closure and the owners' broader shift toward packaged coffee products rather than operating cafes.
According to Eater Houston, Rex Hospitality partners Juan Carlos de Aldecoa, Jimmy Doan, and Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. controlled the Sawyer Yards property before turning it over to Slowpokes. Slowpokes owner Mazen Baltagi told CultureMap he took control of the space on January 1 and is targeting a March opening while renovating the interior to match the brand's homey, late-night vibe.
Maven's short run and the pivot
Maven opened in October 2024 as an all-day coffee-and-cocktail concept at 1501 Silver Street. Still, its operators say they are now refocusing on Maven Coffee Company's packaged products and licensing rather than operating brick-and-mortar cafes. Eater Houston covered Maven's debut, and the Houston Chronicle later listed the Sawyer Yards spot among January closures.
What Slowpokes plans to bring
Slowpokes, founded by Baltagi, already operates multiple Houston locations and pairs coffee with beer, wine and a menu centered on sandwiches and flatbreads. As reported by CultureMap, the team plans to keep some of Maven's community programming, including the monthly Cars & Coffee meetups and a weekly run club, while softening the dining room with homey fabrics and vintage speakers.
Photos and a fresh write-up appeared in the Houston Business Journal on March 17, 2026. That piece includes interior images by photographer Becca Wright and previews the new layout Slowpokes intends to install. The Business Journal also notes the space originally opened as Maven in late 2024 and will now be reworked for Slowpokes' daytime and evening programming.
Neighborhood context
Sawyer Yards, Houston's sprawling arts-and-studio campus, has been a hotspot for openings and closures as operators respond to shifting costs and audience patterns. The Houston Chronicle coverage of January closures placed Maven among several shuttered spots, and local restaurant-watchers say Slowpokes' familiar menu and extended hours could help steady daytime foot traffic in the arts district.
