When it comes to entrepreneurial spirit and the desire to innovate, Mazen Baltagi stands out. The entrepreneur and owner of Slowpokes is set to bring his signature coffee experience to 3401 Canal St., in the ever-evolving Second Ward. This will become the brand’s sixth location.
Baltagi explained to What Now Houston, “I dabble in real estate, and if you follow the trend of Slowpokes, we go where it’s underserved and where we see it’s going to turn.” With four other locations and a fifth on the horizon at 13210 Memorial Dr. in the next four months, Baltagi has a keen sense for finding places that resonate with the Slowpokes ethos.
This ethos, grounded in “chill vibes and easy living,” owes its origins to a vacation down under. Baltagi, while visiting Melbourne, came across a coffee shop very similarly named. He decided that if he ever launched his own coffee venture, he’d open it as Slowpokes. And he did – with branding that’s centered around three distinct “mascots” encapsulating this vibe.
The decision to collaborate with Jeff Ward, the developer of The Plant, came naturally. The two had their first jobs together at sixteen years old and both rose into business ownership, bringing them to this partnership on the property. What is currently an old tire shop and gas station, this corner spot was the “perfect” spot in this up-and-coming neighborhood to install the next Slowpokes.
As the Second Ward continues its transformation into a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood, Slowpokes will find itself in good company. Concept Neighborhood, the firm behind The Plant, recently announced a series of new leases. Among them are Kido International Preschool and Daycare, Crystal Yoga, and of course, Slowpokes. Jeff Kaplan, managing partner of Concept Neighborhood, expressed excitement over the new additions, emphasizing the intentionality behind the tenant mix, to serve the diverse needs of the community.
As for Slowpokes, customers can expect not only the brand’s signature in-house roasted coffee, but also an array of flatbreads, sandwiches, craft beer, and hand-selected wines. With plans to launch online retail and a dedicated app for pre-orders, Baltagi and his team continue to redefine the coffee experience.
This sixth location in The Plant in Second Ward is slated to open in April/May 2024.
