1. Al Quick Stop, a Montrose corner store and Mediterranean cafe, plans to open a Heights location at 518 W. 11th St., Houston, by the end of the summer. The shop originally had plans to open within the Railway Heights project on Washington Avenue but has since changed plans. Read more about the Montrose-area location and the family who owns and runs it here. www.alquickstop.com
2. Officials with The Original ChopShop said they are targeting an early September opening for a new location in River Oaks at 3021 Kirby Drive, Houston. It will be the first of two new locations coming to the Houston area, with another location opening this summer in the Galleria area. Existing locations of the chain—which specializes in health-focused bowls, sandwiches, protein shakes and fresh juices—are spread out across Arizona and North Texas. www.originalchopshop.com
3. Signage posted at the future location of Southern Yankee Crafthouse indicates a planned summer opening at the former Good Dog location at 1312 W. Alabama St., Houston. The concept, which is being launched by the North Houston-area brewery Southern Yankee Beer Co., will serve wood-fired dishes along with Southern Yankee beers and other drinks. Matt Baum was brought on as executive chef in April. Baum previously worked as executive chef at Grace’s; Common Bond; and Crisp Wine, Beer, and Eatery. www.southernyankeebeer.com
4. Massage therapy spa chain The Now is opening a Heights location at 373 W. 19th St., Houston, with plans to open in June. Offerings include Swedish massage techniques, a stretch-focused therapy for athletes, and a mind/body treatment focused on healing as well as add-on services such as deep-tissue massage and gua sha, a Chinese skin treatment. www.thenowmassage.com
5. As previously reported by Community Impact Newspaper, the craft brewery Ovinnik Brewing is looking to open in late summer in the Timbergrove area. The brewery is being launched by Janine Weber and partners Chris and Jen Mathis and will offer a lineup of beers that will include Belgian-style beers but will likely be driven by customers. Read more about their story here. www.ovinnikbrewing.com
