EADO GETS LUCKY: ANTHONY WEGMANN OWNER OF NEIGHBORHOOD MAINSTAY LUCKY’S PUB AND RECENTLY OPENED CORK SOAKERS WINE BAR TO DEBUT GOURMET MARKET IN AUGUST

EADO GETS LUCKY: ANTHONY WEGMANN OWNER OF NEIGHBORHOOD MAINSTAY LUCKY’S PUB AND RECENTLY OPENED CORK SOAKERS WINE BAR TO DEBUT GOURMET MARKET IN AUGUST

HOUSTON, TX – July 11, 2010 – While the approval of a stadium for the Houston Dynamo has put a new kick in the step of EaDo district landowners and businesses, it’s news of a gourmet market that has area residents yelling “goal.” Currently under construction at St. Emanuel – EaDo’s primary north/south corridor – and Rusk, the approximately 3,500-square-foot Epicurean Express is slated to open in early August adjacent to the recently launched Cork Soakers wine bar and directly across St. Emanuel from popular restaurant and bar, Lucky’s Pub.

The three venues – all important milestones in the development of EaDo as a sustainable urban neighborhood – are endeavors of entrepreneur Anthony Wegmann, who was first introduced to EaDo in 2006 by Brent Silberstein of Warehouse Live. Epicurean Express and Cork Soakers will both inhabit a 1960’s era shopping center currently being revitalized by Wegmann. The center is currently identifying appropriate tenant candidates for the remaining 3,500-square-feet of retail space with the goal of complementary businesses that will create further synergy.

According to Wegmann, “When I opened Lucky’s next to Warehouse Live, we were somewhat of an island with guests coming for a specific reason. With the support of our local residents and growing awareness of the great offerings in the EaDo district, there is a strong reason for people to come and stay in EaDo for a full night of entertainment. Our goal with Lucky’s Pub, Corks Soakers and Epicurean Express is to create a unique experience that does not currently exist in Houston. A guest can watch a game on the 21-foot mega screen, order from one of the largest selections of beers in Houston, enjoy a flight of wine in our gorgeous wine bar and pick up groceries or a gourmet prepared meal all within walking distance of downtown and Houston’s top sporting venues.

The market concept evolved in part due to feedback from Wegmann’s clientele – more than half of whom live nearby in downtown, EaDo and the East End – who often mention the lack of service-driven businesses to support the urban lifestyle and increasingly sophisticated tastes, especially from the grocery/market side with current offerings either inconveniently located, outdated or lacking in quality.

Epicurean Express is poised to meet the growing demands and needs of the EaDo and downtown area with a site and décor unquestionably more appealing than an access road gas station corner mart and a product and food range much broader than the closest market offering, Byrd’s on Main Street. Wegmann describes Epicurean Express as a premium, small scale grocery store. The interior will incorporate stained concrete floors, earth tones and salvaged ceiling beams and rustic wood accents, creating a modern but warm feeling. While gourmet prepared meals will debut in fall, the initial opening will highlight a coffee bar; fresh produce, meats, poultry and fish; spices, specialty import foods, and other sundries; and a range of household items such as cleaning supplies and paper goods with a focus on green offerings.

Wegmann is bullish on the concept for good reason. Not only is he optimistic based on current feedback, but he is an enviable position of being the master of this burgeoning block.

“I see this as a viable business not only from the standpoint of a serving a need, but given that I am a restaurateur, I am able to take advantage of cost benefits associated with buying food for Cork Soakers and Lucky’s and using product at several venues, insuring I can keep a high quality, stocked inventory to meet those needs.”

Epicurean Express is located at 2018 Rusk. For more information, call 713-222-9463 or log onto www.epicureanexpress.com.

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