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When the previous owner of Catbirds, a well-established bar in Houston’s Montrose neighborhood since 1995, decided to step back from the business, Bobby Heugel and his partner Peter Jahnke took action. Heugel, a renowned figure in Houston’s cocktail scene with several successful bars to his name, had frequented Catbirds and felt a strong attachment to the venue. “It was our go-to spot after work, after creating intricate cocktails,” he recalls.
Heugel is the mind behind popular establishments like Anvil, Refuge, and Better Luck Tomorrow, and now he and Jahnke have expanded their portfolio to include Catbirds, which underwent a slight revamp before reopening at the close of 2023. They have also taken over Blue Lagoon, a bar that has been part of the landscape for 45 years, as its long-time owner was ready to retire.
This trend of dedicated bartenders and restaurateurs stepping in to revive cherished community bars is seen nationwide. From Lucy’s in New York City to Gilly’s House of Cocktails in San Diego, these efforts are not merely about preserving the physical spaces but also about honoring the legacy of past owners and serving loyal patrons. “In many industries, such transitions are commonplace, yet the bar scene experiences rapid turnover that often goes unacknowledged,” Heugel observes.
Heugel elaborates on the significance of maintaining the essence of these bars while enticing new patrons and optimizing affordability for regular customers. “Blue Lagoon has been around since 1968, which is quite rare in Houston’s bar scene. Our landlord at Squabble had been advocating for a new bar concept to take over, but I realized that having successfully revitalized Catbirds, we might do the same with Blue Lagoon,” he states.
He emphasizes three key strategies for maintaining the integrity of the bar: retain the existing staff, be mindful of pricing, and stay true to the bar’s original character. “Keeping long-standing staff members is crucial; their dedication and familiarity with customers are invaluable. None of the previous employees left when we took over Blue Lagoon,” he mentions. Additionally, he highlights the importance of being sensitive to pricing structures. “By keeping prices affordable, we can seamlessly bring in new patrons while respecting the long-time customers,” he explains.
Heugel describes how they adjusted pricing at Catbirds to accommodate both classic offerings and new premium selections. “Implementing what we call ‘Robin Hooding’ allows us to use the revenue from cocktails to subsidize the cost of beer, ensuring accessibility across the menu,” he details. Their aim is to maintain a manageable sales ratio, focusing on providing a diverse experience rather than overwhelming the offerings with high-priced cocktails.
He notes that they intentionally incorporated items into the menus that other bars might overlook, catering to nostalgic preferences. “While our other venues may not stock items like pickle vodka or flavored vodkas, we ensure that Blue Lagoon provides what its patrons expect and love,” Heugel clarifies.
The renovations at both locations were minimal; however, they aimed to declutter while infusing a mix of new decor that aligns with their historical roots. “We’ve avoided harsh white lighting, opting instead for colored lights to enhance the mood. At Blue Lagoon, we retained its vintage charm by using period-appropriate neon signage,” Heugel adds. During the renovation, they discovered unused neon signs from decades past, prompting discussions on why they had not been utilized earlier.
Initially, the regular patrons at Blue Lagoon met their ownership with skepticism, and Heugel recognizes their concerns as valid. “In cities grappling with gentrification—especially one like Houston, which lacks zoning laws—there’s a real fear that beloved establishments will vanish,” he states. “The dynamics here create a perception that anything is expendable when developers are involved.”
Engaging the community has been vital to their approach. “Regulars often want to voice their opinions on changes. For instance, after we installed new lighting, I returned to find two loyal customers inspecting our work,” he shares. “It’s essential to respect their input, as they view these bars as extensions of their homes.” Heugel emphasizes that an engaged and concerned customer base is a sign of a bar’s significance within its community.
Source
punchdrink.com