Local Table’s story began in 2016 when its first location opened in Katy as a spin-off concept of the Hungry’s eateries Sharifi ran in Houston. He said the idea was to bring fresh, quality cuisine to the region’s master-planned communities in a family-friendly setting with affordable prices.
“We bring that quality that some people come to expect inside the city at a nicer restaurant, but you kind of lose that when you move out to the suburbs, [where] you’re dealing with fast food and Chinese food and pizza or some kind of chain restaurant,” he said. “[With] everything we have, we try to be organic—farm to table.”
Sharifi said the eatery sources ingredients locally whenever possible, from meats and breads to handcrafted cocktails and salad dressings made from scratch. Menu items are reminiscent of the Hungry’s brand with a Mediterranean flair, he said.
Popular items on the menu include the honey ginger-glazed salmon, the kabob plate, the meatloaf and the Brussels sprouts salad. Diners also have an extensive selection of burgers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, pizzas and vegan entrees available. Brunch is served on the weekends, including croissant French toast, omelets and smoked salmon avocado toast.
Local Table has a full indoor-outdoor bar concept, and the Sharifi and Nowamooz families expanded their Cypress presence in December 2019 by opening Local Bar next door.
“You can have your dining experience, have a nice dinner and go next door to the bar and lounge area and have some cocktails after if you choose to,” Sharifi said.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Sharifi said the restaurant has innovated to minimize contact by launching QR code menus at tables and QR code payment options on all receipts. Pickup and delivery options through the restaurant include family meal packs to serve two to four people, and holiday catering options are available through Dec. 31.
Despite the economic downturn, Local Table’s expansion into neighboring communities continues. A Fulshear location opened this October, and another is slated to open in Garden Oaks next March; it will be the restaurant’s fourth Houston location.
“We wanted to make it a local gathering point, somewhere in the neighborhood where people are comfortable coming by there, hanging out and getting together,” Sharifi said.
Local Table, 10535 Fry Road, Ste. 100, Cypress. 832-653-6477. www.eatatlocaltable.com
