Episode 405 - Bobby Heugel of Thorough Fare Hospitality

Today on the podcast Eric is joined by Bobby Heugel of Thorough Fare Hospitality for in-depth conversation regarding the pricing structure at restaurants and bars. Bobby and Eric speak about the differences now versus pre-pandemic, the cost of goods, the cumulative effects of alcohol/food inflation, the rise of labor costs, what a personal guarantee for lease means for people behind restaurant concepts, why Bobby is wary of real estate prices right now, why Houston needs to rethink parking requirements, the deterioration of who's owning restaurants, the financial hurdles that hurt businesses today, the struggle of the lunch in Houston, vibe dining, the investment needed to open a simple bar/restaurant nowadays, cocktail prices, the hardest concepts to open right now, what the future possibly holds, and more! Plus, they discuss how things have been going at Catbirds since Thorough Fare Hospitality took over operations of the concept last year.  Follow Eric on Instagram/Threads @ericsandler. You can also reach Eric by emailing him at [email protected]. Check out some of his latest articles at Culturemap.com: Ben Berg's Retro Heights Diner Opens with Burgers, Biscuits, and Carvel Favorite Heights Pizzeria Opens New Location in Bellaire Houston Brewery's New Pizzeria Now Slinging Pies in Spring Branch Houston Chopped Champion Bowls Over Midtown with New Casual Restaurant Houston Restaurant Weeks Extended Through the End of September