When partners Brian Doke and Evin Wood tour potential spaces for their next establishment, they typically have between 50%-90% of the concept already planned out in their heads.

Over the past 17 years, Doke said he and Wood have opened around 15 hospitality-focused businesses, including Savoir, Patton’s Steakhouse and the neighborhood bar Heights & Co.

Heights & Co. opened four years ago, and Doke said when he first looked at the space, he felt it could be a great addition to the neighborhood’s atmosphere.

“We always want to make sure that anything we do is adding to the landscape and sort of the immediate neighborhood, but also from a general Houston standpoint,” Doke said.

The approach

When planning the concept for Heights & Co., Doke said he wanted the bar to serve as a one-stop shop for residents, offering brunch, dinner and craft cocktails, along with holiday specials and entertainment.

With the rise in cocktail bars introducing food menus, Doke said it was important to him to stay focused on the needs of the neighborhood.

“I wouldn't go into one of the most casual neighborhoods in the whole city and open a fine dining $200 per person establishment,” Doke said. “I just don't think that fits.”

Doke said he sometimes jokes that he creates spaces he would want to visit if he weren’t in charge of operations. He said Heights & Co. is one of those places he would enjoy as a guest.

A closer look

When it comes to Doke’s priorities, he said he tends to focus on the experience Heights & Co. offers, as he believes it’s not always enough for a restaurant just to serve good food anymore.

“I think people want to have fun experiences,” he said. “They want to be introduced to small, little experiences while they're at their neighborhood restaurant.”

Doke said the establishment’s outdoor patio, where guests can enjoy a couple of margaritas and spritzes in the sun, is a completely different experience in the spring compared to the fall.

On the other hand, during the holidays, Heights & Co. transforms into the season it is celebrating. Throughout November and December, the bar plays Christmas movies and serves seasonal cocktails in themed glasses along with s’mores boards.

The idea to offer curated experiences came from his and Wood’s own childhood nostalgia, Doke said.

“There's always just something simple and enjoyable about hanging out with people you like, roasting some s'mores, watching a movie, having a little cocktail, a little dinner ... it's just kind of an easy, fun experience,” he said.

• 1343 Yale St., Houston
• www.heightsandco.com