Houston-based NewQuest Properties, a statewide leader in retail leasing, commercial development, land brokerage and tenant representation, is growing the tenant mix at soon-to-open West on West. Newly signed businesses include Tsujita Artisan Noodle, Paris Baguette, The Alley SomiSomi, Lady Mand the first U.S. location of Kaiten-sushi Ginza Onodera from The Onodera Group of Sushi Ginza Onodera fame.
WoW, the approximately 90,000-square-foot showcase for international and globally-inspired restaurant and retail concepts, is gearing up for debuts to begin as early as fall 2023. Anchored by a future, 33,029-square-foot 99 Ranch Market grocery store, the 10-acre redevelopment project at 12220 Westheimer is situated midway between S. Dairy Ashford and S. Kirkwood roads.
According to NewQuest Properties Development Partner Heather Nguyen in a statement, “We’ve been thrilled by the leasing trajectory at West on West and are eagerly awaiting the debut of what will be a wonderful new amenity in this west Houston community. We also feel given the eclectic mix of unique and first-to-market businesses that this center will become a destination for Houstonians and visitors seeking unique experiences.”
Based in Tokyo, Tsujita Artisan Noodle will open the first southern U.S. location in a 2,814-square-foot space at West on West this fall. WoW was represented by Heather Nguyen of NewQuest Properties. The Houston restaurant will join a footprint that includes 18 sites in Japan and six across Los Angeles and New Jersey. A showcase of the brand are its tsukemen noodle options, which are boiled, chilled and served in a separate bowl from the soup for dipping. Additional menu offerings include a variety of traditional and vegan ramen dishes, as well as a selection of rice bowls. Japanese beer and sake will also be available.
Also anticipating a fall 2023 unveiling is Paris Baguette, which will occupy a 3,150-square-foot space at West on West. Heather Nguyen represented NewQuest Properties, while Joe AmecAngelo of CBRE managed the transaction on behalf of the tenant. The neighborhood bakery café, known for their crafted baked and brewed goods, traces its origins to the 1940s and a small bakery in South Korea. The menu offerings include breads, cakes and cake slices, pastries, donuts, gourmet sandwiches, salads, packaged roll cakes and Japanese Castellas, plus coffees and teas.
Slated for a late 2023 opening, Los Angeles-based SomiSomi has leased 1,637 square feet at West on West. Following Katy and Sugar Land, this is the first Houston proper location for the brand, which specializes in Ah-Boong, a Korean dessert served in a cup or TaiyakI, a fish-shaped waffle cone filled with a choice of filling and topped with soft serve. WoW was represented in the transaction by Heather Nguyen of NewQuest Properties.
Originating from Taiwan’s Taoyuan City, The Alley is a bubble – or boba – tea brand that has inked a lease for 2,436 square feet at WoW with a planned opening of fall 2023. This is the second Greater Houston location following Katy. In addition to its décor and drinks, The Alley makes house made tapioca pearls and sugarcane-based – rather than artificial – syrups. A specialty is the Deerioca with options like crème brulee milk. The tenant was represented by Rebecca Le of NewQuest Properties, and Heather Nguyen of NewQuest represented WoW.
Meshing French baking techniques and Japanese cooking styles, Lady M – known for its handmade, 20-layer mille crepe cakes – has taken a 2,793-square-foot slice of WoW. Slated to debut in Spring 2024, the boutique will showcase both whole cakes and options by the slice. This is only the second southern U.S. location for the global brand, following The Galleria, and once it opens, Houston will become the only American city other than New York and Los Angeles to have more than one storefront. West on West was represented by Heather Nguyen and Cobo Fajardo of NewQuest Properties.
Tokyo-based The Onodera Group; known internationally for its Sushi Ginza Onodera restaurants – with two Michelin stars – will unveil the first U.S. location of design forward, conveyer belt style concept Kaiten-sushi Ginza Onodera at WoW in spring 2025. Diners can look forward to the same quality ingredients and excellence in preparation of its parent, but at a more approachable price point meant for everyday dining. The Edomae sushi involves using the aging process to preserve the fish, develop umami flavors and create a more tender texture. Heather Nguyen of NewQuest Properties represented West on West in the lease of a prime, 3,976-square-foot space.
Poised to create a new dining entertainment hub at the gateway to the Westchase District, WoW will also feature previously announced tenants including the third Greater Houston location of Gen Korean BBQ House, which will span 6,212 square feet, plus the city’s inaugural Teso Life, a Japanese retailer that will occupy a 13,340-square-foot endcap fronting Westheimer. Both are expected to open the latter part of 2023 or early 2024.
