Despite The Fresh Market expanding throughout Houston last year, one of the locations has already closed, and it's the one across the street from Central Market -- a likely reason for the market's closure. CultureMap reports that this is the only Fresh Market location closing in the Houston area; the other three will remain open.
The sign is up outside the soon-to-open Bradley's Fine Diner on Heights Boulevard, but the restaurant won't be opening on March 15 as the owners had originally planned. Eater explains that a damaged water line has forced a postponement. As executive chef Bradley Ogden said in a statement to Eater, you cannot cook without water.
Craving Chicago-style food? Well look no further than the newest Chicago food eaterie, Maxwell Street Grill, which opened at 4902 Almeda Road on Saturday, March 1. But don't expect to sit down inside because, well, there is no dining room. Drive up to this walk-up-and-order grill and nosh on hot dogs, hamburgers and what Eater describes as the star item on the menu, the Maxwell Street Polish; it's a J.J. Sausage kielbasa with all the fixings (grilled onions, mustard and peppers). Maxwell Street Grill is also open quite late throughout the week -- 3 a.m. Thursday through Sunday, and 11 p.m. Monday through Wednesday.
Michael's Cookie Jar will open its second location today, in the downtown tunnels at Pennzoil Place. The grand-opening celebration begins at noon and lasts until 4 p.m. Be one of the first 50 people at the event and receive a "sweet swag bag" filled with items from various local purveyors and treats from Michael's Cookie Jar. The new location will hold a "Cookie Hour" each afternoon and showcase many local vendors, including Mill-King milk, chocolates from Araya Artisan Chocolate, and coffee from Katz Coffee and Caphin Iced Vietnamese Coffee.
The second Local Foods opened for lunch on Thursday, March 13, and will add its dinner service in approximately two weeks. This Local Foods will use ingredients sourced from area vendors, such as Slow Dough Bread, Atkinson Farms and Black Hill Ranch. Don't expect the same menu items as those at the original Local Foods, though. In fact, 30 percent of the menu includes new items, more vegetarian and vegan dishes, and rotisserie items, such as spit-roasted beef, duck, lamb and half-roasted rotisserie chicken. There's also a full bar featuring liquors from Texas distilleries and a rotating lineup of five local beers on tap.
The Houston Chronicle's Greg Morago reports that Pico's Mex-Mex has opened at the intersection of Kirby and Richmond. After last weekend's grand closing celebration, Pico's has finally moved inside the Loop, to 3601 Kirby.
Did we miss any openings or closings? Let us know in the comments section and we'll be sure to include them in next week's report.