Openings and Closings: Kirkwood is Coming, Solarium Debuts

Lorretta Ruggiero May 9, 2025 4:30AM Kirkwood, 11720 Katy Freeway, is under construction and is slated to open in Fall 2025. It comes from Mac Haik Restaurant Group, owners of Slapfish, Original ChopShop and Due Cocina. It's also the largest franchisee of First Watch Restaurants. Many Houstonians will recognize Mac Haik as the name behind the successful auto dealerships across the city, though the entrepreneur now has much of his holdings in the real estate business.

Located in Houston's Energy Corridor, on the Energy Plaza Houston campus, the restaurant's name, Kirkwood, pays homage to the reinvestment, community and legacy of the area, which was once farmland and dirt roads. Mac Haik was on the forefront of transforming the Interstate-10 environs into the energy corridor artery that it is today. In a press release Haik's grandson and a vice president for Mac Haik enterprises said, "Kirkwood is about creating a sense of place-one that's rooted in warmth, character and a strong connection to the community."

And Haik's imprint will be seen at the new concept, with his passion for classic cars, sports and family influencing the design and decor, from a wraparound bar with automotive-inspired accents to a private 16-seat dining room named for his mother Francis. The Sunny Room will be a brightly-lit lounge named after his wife of 52 years.

The design is being executed by Gin Braverman of gin design group, one of Houston's premiere hospitality design firms. Rich leathers and dark woods will give a warmth and clubby feel to the space while a copper-clad open kitchen anchors the 154-seat dining room. A sunroom, with a double-sided fireplace has additional seating for 72 guests.

Leading the culinary program at Kirkwood is executive chef Stephen Chiang, whose local resume includes Houston's Relish and the Petroleum Club. Chiang also spent seven years in New York City working with chefs such as Michelin-starred Andrew Carmellini, David Chang of Momofoku and Melissa Rodriguez, executive chef and partner at a number of NYC restaurants.

The menu revolves around elevated American classics that appeal to Houstonian appetites like seafood platters, steaks, fresh salads and tempting desserts. There will be a thoughtfully-curated wine list, an array of beers and handcrafted cocktails.

Full Article: https://www.houstonpress.com/restaurants/mac-haiks-kirkwood-is-coming-pickleball-and-cocktails-at-solarium-20418019