The Yellow House, which is located at 312 Commerce St., is one of the oldest structures in Magnolia.[/caption]The historic Yellow House in downtown Magnolia will soon be transformed into a new steakhouse.
New local restaurant Bo Vine will offer steaks, chops and family-style sides as well as wine, craft beer and a full liquor bar upon completion by April 1, owner Lisa Jackson said. Jackson has more than 30 years of experience working in the restaurant industry around the world and plans to operate Bo Vine with the help of her family.
“As far as the property goes, I think the name kind of says it: Bo Vine steaks and wine,” Jackson said. “We are going to have all hand-cut steaks, and we’re going to do comfort sides like jalepeno bacon mac and cheese and mashed potatoes. We’ll also have live music on weekends and Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas, bloody marys, creme brulee French toast and an omelet station.”
Renovations and menu
As part of the renovations, the existing deck will be expanded for additional patio space with umbrellas, Jackson said. The main dining room will feature a rustic-style theme with a ceiling expanded to the second floor and a balcony overlooking a vineyard, she said. A custom chandelier will be placed at the entrance with wine barrel facade on the walls near a fireplace.
“It will be good, fun, versatile food and really good service,” Jackson said. “There will be no entree over $30.”
The restaurant will be able to seat 44 people inside and accommodate additional patrons outside, Jackson said.
“It will be comfortable with bigger chairs for a quiet night to have a nice dinner, and the back part is where if you want to roll up in T-shirt and shorts and listen to music, you can do that,” she said. “We are covering everybody.”
The restaurant will be renovated with supplies from local workers and businesses. Jackson said she plans to send out promotion cards soon to residents to gather feedback on what dishes and aspects they would like to see at Bo Vine.
“My husband is from a small town, and we like small towns and knowing your neighbors,” Jackson said. “We believe as being a restaurant or merchant in the community, we are accountable to give back to the community.”
The hours of operation will be as follows:
Mon.-Thu. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Fri.-Sat. 11 a.m.-midnight
Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. (brunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m.)
Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and dinner will be served from 4 p.m. until closing time throughout the week.
Yellow House history
Barbara Gardner, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Anderson Properties in Magnolia, has worked with Jackson during the past few months to sign Bo Vine as a tenant for the Yellow House. The deal was completed through the Magnolia Planning and Zoning Commission Dec. 8.
With the new lease beginning Jan. 1, Jackson plans to begin renovations on the house as soon as possible, Gardner said.
“I think this is the start of more things to come,” Gardner said. “I think it will be a great addition to that area. We were waiting for the right fit. We’ve had some good proposals come in, but I think it is meant to be that [Bo Vine] is the one.”
Prior to Bo Vine, popular Cypress burger joint The Shack signed a 10-year lease in mid-June to open a new restaurant at the Yellow House. In the past few months, however, The Shack opted to back out of its lease and focus on maintaining its two locations in Cypress, P&Z Commission member Pat Zaiontz said.
In 2011 the Yellow House was donated to the city of Magnolia and transformed into home-style restaurant Montgomery County Grille. After two years it was sold and renamed The Old Yellow House Cafe in April 2013. The cafe closed after a few months and has remained vacant for more than two years.
