Old gas stations are not an expertise of mine. I like to look at them well enough! Especially, when they’re still operating as a modern gas station, but I don’t know too much about them. When you look at most of the companies and stores represented on this website, I chronicle their existence in the conscious mindset (so from the 60s forward really). This is mostly because retailing has expanded quite a bit over the …
Read moreYear: 2021
What’s going on inside the vacant Luby’s and Fuddruckers in Cinco Ranch
Howdy Folks! Today we’re taking a look at a recently closed Luby’s/Fuddruckers Combo. This store at 24033 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy, TX 77494 represents the final generation of stores built, and was an older “new” location originally opening in 2014. This store was significant as being the second combo location to open, as the Fuddruckers deal was still relatively fresh at the time. During bankruptcy, this location was put up for sale. While both restaurants …
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Permit Roundup: Sugar Factory Express is coming to Houston, and Memorial City Target remodels
Howdy Folks, I hope Monday is treating you well so far! As far as new permits go this week, we’re not seeing too much but what we do have is yummy, so we’ll start with the new end with the old. Sugar Factory Express has filed a demolition permit for the space they’re moving into in Galleria I. If you’re like me, then you’ve probably never heard of Sugar Factory, much less their Express variant. …
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This Week in Demolition: Old Folks temporarily out of 2100 Memorial, and a few interesting homes
This Week in Demolition, the big story is 2100 Memorial Drive. Originally built as a, Holiday Inn, opening in 1970, the location made it to 1986, before shutting its doors as a hotel. For the next 10 years, the vacant hotel would become an eyesore looming above Buffalo Bayou. While initial plans to convert the space into senior living date all the way back to 1987, plans were delayed for multiple reasons. The City of …
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Retail News: Costco Business Center sets a grand opening date, while Ollie’s Bargain Outlet stalls
Welcome back folks, it’s been a bit since our last news update, and as per usual not much too crazy has gone on in that time. So let’s start off by checking on some older bits of information. We first became aware of Costco’s Entry into Stafford’s GRID development (the former Texas Instrument Plant) back in 2020. The store was to replace what was originally intended to be an interactive driving range in the style …
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Who’s living in Geoffry’s House now? The Houston Galleria Toys ‘R Us Failure
Howdy folks! I know if you’re here than by now, you know what to expect mostly retail from my blog, but today’s topic is probably one you’re familiar with even if you don’t follow retail goings-on. The bankruptcy of Toys ‘R Us took almost everyone by surprise back in 2018 (can you believe it was 3 years ago?!). Not to reiterate the entire story, but the situation that landed TRU in bankruptcy put them in …
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Permit Roundup: New chains, meet old locations
Howdy, folks, and welcome back to another edition of Permit Roundup! Today we’re taking a look at a few retail developments throughout the Houston area. Let’s start off with some newcomers to town. It seems that the Post Oak California Pizza Kitchen, who closed their Texas outlets during a COVID induced bankruptcy, may be host to a new restaurant. Il Braco, a noteworthy Dallas Italian restaurant, has filed remodel permits at 1705 Post Oak Boulevard …
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This Week in Demolition: AMC Dunvale falls for new Dunvale Village housing development
This Week in Demolition, we see the end of AMC Megaplex, and the start of a new housing development. The AMC 30 Theaters at 2949 Dunvale Rd, Houston, TX 77063 has an odd history. In 1992, Wal-Mart was looking to expand their presence in inner Houston by building a new side by side Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club. The property selected for this new venture was one of the only major vacancies left along Westheimer by …
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What makes a Krogerstons special?
Howdy Folks! Hope everyone is doing well today, today let’s start off with a small vocabulary lesson. The following word was coined in conversation with a friend on mine. Krogerstons- (Noun) A Kroger store operating out of a former Albertsons; Esp. Those in the Houston Division. “Hey man, I saw Ray Childress down at the Krogerstons on Louetta, screaming something about cash for clunkers, and waving around a muffler”. Krogerstons make up a large number …
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Midtown Randalls, it’s the closest thing you’ll get to a Safeway down here!
In 2015, Randall’s wasn’t doing exceptionally well, but the chain was about to get a bit of a boost with the impending Albertson’s Acquisition, which had been in the works for at least a year prior. Most of Randall’s problems stemmed from parent company Safeway, and those in charge at Albertson’s, who had previously operated in Houston, seemed eager to give our market another try. One of the first Randall’s in Houston to receive an …
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