Palace Social, a planned 27,000-square-foot bowling and entertainment concept, is slated to open in June with eight bowling lanes, a 159-seat restaurant and a 3,900-square-foot arcade, among other offerings, according to a May 4 news release.
The concept was first announced by Palace Social CEO Billy Forney in October. In a May 4 statement, Forney said he was looking forward to bringing an entertainment venue back to a site that was already known in the community.
"Our goal is to tap into the nostalgia that folks have for the former Palace Bowling Lanes with food, beverage, gaming and entertainment offerings that resonate with today’s tastes," Forney said. "We fully intend for new memories to be made at Palace Social, which has been a true community-driven project."
In addition to the bowling alley and arcade, Palace Social will feature a 600-square-foot e-sports lounge, virtual reality games, two multisport simulators and three event rooms equipped with oversized flatscreen TVs that can also be equipped with karaoke systems.
The venue's food and beverage program is being developed by hospitality consultant Jonathan Horowitz of Convive Hospitality Consulting, whose clients have also included the Katy Boardwalk District and the Astorian.
The menu, described as "Southern inspired" American fare, is being developed in consultation with Ryan Hildebrand, formerly of FM Kitchen, and will be executed by chef Efrain Villareal of Tony’s Mexican Kitchen. A bar and lounge will feature beer and wine on tap as well as craft cocktails from Beverage Director Jennifer Caldwell of Goodnight Charlie’s.
The project was funded with help from dozens of investors from surrounding neighborhoods such as Southside Place, West University and Bellaire, according to the release.
An on-site job fair will take place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 15 for servers, bartenders, party coordinators, salespeople, hosts and kitchen staff.
