Houston’s beloved cafe and gathering place, Slowpokes, which has charmed residents with its homey, family-friendly atmosphere, top-notch local food offerings, and artisanal wine and coffee programs, is spreading its wings to the Westchase District. It will soon be found at 400 W Sam Houston Pkwy S. Co-Founder Mazen Baltagi, a local veteran entrepreneur, is known also for his successful concepts such as Chapman & Kirby, Mi Luna, and Christian’s Tailgate.
This upcoming venture is made possible due to a strategic collaboration with McNair Interests’ commercial real estate division. The new locale is set amidst the verdant 24-acre enclave, “On the Trails”. It promises not just a culinary experience but a visual one, with design courtesy of the acclaimed MaRS firm. The 2,000-square-foot interior will be complemented by a covered patio and a terrace that offers serene views of a three-acre lake.
This expansion is nestled amidst the freshly inaugurated Remy multifamily midrise at the On the Trails community. As construction of a subsequent apartment phase progresses, Slowpokes is poised to open its doors to residents and visitors alike, aligning its launch with the first wave of move-ins. Its strategic location adjacent to essential amenities is bound to make it a resident favorite.
But Slowpokes isn’t just for the residents of the more than 550 combined units. Its diverse offerings, ranging from essentials like toiletries to retail wines, are set to lure in folks from neighboring Memorial areas, Westchase, and the Energy Corridor. Located within a stone’s throw from leisure hubs like Terry Hershey Park and Buffalo Bayou, and shopping destinations such as Memorial City and CITYCENTRE, it’s perfectly poised to be a go-to spot for a broad audience.
Baltagi expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming location, citing McNair Interests’ role in crafting an environment that perfectly embodies Slowpokes’ ethos of relaxed, quality time.
Visitors can look forward to an earthy and sophisticated ambiance, marked by natural wood, leather, terracotta, and green feature tiles. There’s ample seating both indoors and outdoors, ensuring patrons can choose their preferred setting.
The menu continues to celebrate local fare, from morning staples to delicious empanadas, churros, and bakery items sourced from Houston’s best. Beverage enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse range of drinks, from kombuchas to craft beers and wines.
Slowpokes, since its inception in 2016, has become a hub for community events, including game nights, which have added a pulsating energy to its various locations.
Drew Steffen, Senior VP of Real Estate at McNair Interests, expressed his excitement about the collaboration, believing the Slowpokes concept will harmonize beautifully with west Houston’s pedestrian-focused, nature-rich landscape.
McNair Interests, the influential investment and management company behind many transformative real estate projects, envisions a bright future for the area, with the third phase of development on the horizon.
This Slowpokes location will be the first westside and waterfront outlet, aimed for a Spring 2024 opening.
