While attending outdoor markets in Houston, he witnessed the overall impact of the coronavirus pandemic on local businesses, from store closures to people losing their jobs.
It was at an outdoor market in September 2021 where O’Bannon teamed up with Amy Thomas, a local pastry chef and business owner, to come up with a new concept he thought could change the conversation on small-business ownership.
In November 2021, the Missing Piece opened in Rice Village as a self-funded operation with a clear-cut mission: to provide a retail and online presence for the smallest of Houston companies without the financial commitments associated with owning property.
“What we have provided is a space for small businesses to be seen seven days a week without the commitment and the liability of being in retail on their own in a very affluent neighborhood, with us pretty much providing everything they need to be in business,” O’Bannon said.
What that translates to in 2023 is a business model O’Bannon said represents more than 100 different brands that are 94% women-owned.
Some business owners participate in the shop’s incubator development program, O’Bannon said.
“They would keep their daytime job and get everything they need, all the tools, and go through a process of learning how to be in business,” he said.
Depending on the season, visitors who enter the Rice Village retail store can expect a hodgepodge of items including seasonal gifts, soaps or homemade sweets. An array of jewelry, artwork and home goods are stacked along the wall or on shelves.
As far as the future is concerned, O’Bannon said he is looking into expansions into other markets, including potential storefronts in Montrose, Dallas, College Station or Austin. Over time, each city would have its own “missing piece” in the small-business retail puzzle.
“I’m just doing my little part,” O’Bannon said.
How to join the development program
If a local small business is interested in becoming a vendor, here are the steps to take:
- Fill out online application on store website
- Include list of products to sell
- Provide images of products
- Determine amount of retail space needed
- Fill out lease terms
- Submit retail request application
- The Missing Piece team will respond when/if interested
2476 Times Blvd., Houston
281-846-6914
www.themissingpiecehtx.com
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
