Update 1/13/17: The Richmond location in Houston is temporarily closed, so I visited the new Fifth Ward location to try the steam table dining experience on December 30th. We arrived during the dinner schedule which means there is a price increase. I ordered oxtails with rice, two sides, peach cobbler, and a drink. My total was $25. My BFF ordered the fried fish with sides. Charles was working as the cashier and Bruce worked the kitchen and bussed tables as well. Pictures below.
Update 12/17/17: Sweet Pie’s Houston has a new location on the North side of Houston and it is open for business. The Richmond location is temporarily closed and will reopen again. More information about the South side location will be provided when available.
Update 11/24/17: Sweetie Pie’s Sweet Times (Richmond street location) is temporarily closed. More information will be provided when available.
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SOFT OPENING EXPERIENCE – 2/18/17
Welcome to SWEETIE PIE’S is one of my favorite television shows to watch on the Oprah Winfrey Network and I am a huge fan. The docuseries follows the lives of the Founder/Owner Robbie Montgomery and her family as they thrive to build a soul food restaurant brand that will impact the world.
When I viewed an episode several years ago of Co-Owner Tim Norman, son of the SWEETIE PIE’S Founder/Owner Robbie Montgomery, seeking out locations in Houston, Texas to expand the restaurant I was beyond excited. At that time, unfortunately things didn’t work out as planned and we were all devastated. However Tim promised us that he would one day bring the SWEETIE PIE’s brand to Houston, Texas and the time has arrived.
On Saturday, February 18, 2017, I visited the soft opening of SWEET TIMES owned by SWEETIE PIE’S here in Houston and I smiled at the thought that Tim Norman kept his promise. This means a lot to a native Houstonian that desires to help the 4th largest city in the country be viewed as one of the best places to visit and travel. Besides, our cost of living compared to other cities is phenomenal, and Houston is home to some of the best world renowned restaurants and medical care facilities and doctors.
Filled with anticipation I drove to 6356 Richmond to taste the soul food that I’ve been missing. At this time a sign isn’t available to help you locate the building, however knowing the address helps. And if you look closely you will see a plethora of people sitting on a patio to give you the “This must be it!” unction. (I later learned that once the street sign and other important necessities arrive, the grand opening date will be set.)
To my surprise, I was able to drive in and find a nice parking spot. For those that don’t know, parking is everything to me. If I am required to go through a lot to park at your establishment I won’t frequent your restaurant often.
Fans who watch the show also realize that due to the popularity of the restaurant, SWEETIE PIE’S is known for having lines wrapped around the building. Fortunately, there was a lot of seating available on the outside patio, near the bar, and front door entrance. Therefore the one hour wait time didn’t surprise me and pausing for the cause of good food is always necessary. Besides, this became a great opportunity for me to catch up on some blogging and go to the bathroom. And guess what I discovered? SWEET TIMES provides free wifi for their guests! Insert happy dance.?? A restaurant that offers free wifi is alright with me.
While waiting at the bar, I noticed a familiar face walking around and remembered this gentleman being a manager at a location in St. Louis. Sure enough, Johnnie from the SWEETIE PIE’S in St. Louis allowed me to say hello and I asked him, “What is your definition of a soft opening?” Johnnie explained, “A trial and error method in the restaurant business to determine what works so that we can make some changes.” So I totally understand if some kinks need to be worked out and things don’t go smoothly as planned. Johnnie also brought to my attention the non-cafe style approach for this Houston location as well. Guests will sit down and order their food from a waiter, versus ordering through a cafeteria-style line which is the traditional method for the SWEETIE PIE’S brand.
I began to really observe the decor and set up for this restaurant. Album and CD covers from various artists young and old (Houston rap icons Slim Thug & UGK too) are posted on the walls, while music from the 2000’s decade played nicely in the background. Some of my favorite songs came on and I began to reminisce. For those that are unaware, Miss Robbie Montgomery has a musical background and sang with Ike and Tina Turner as an Ikette back in the day. Therefore it is only right to have musical influences flowing throughout the building. I love the flooring design and it is uniquely different. We all know that Ms. Robbie likes to have good floors in her restaurants too.
The greeter walked me over to a quaint table for one. What did I order? SWEETIE PIE’S Famous Fish fried with Mac N Cheese and Collard Greens for my sides (Shown above). For dessert I had to go with my favorite, peach cobbler. As a cobbler connoisseur, I couldn’t wait to taste this version. I watched my godmother make a peach cobbler from scratch when I was little and I haven’t found anyone to match her excellence. (I took my peach cobbler to-go and I devoured it when I got home. 🙂
My food arrived and oh my word; It was good. The catfish alone was lightly seasoned and fried to a nice crisp. I forget all about my sides at this point. Eventually, I gravitated over to the collard greens and tasted a little sweetness in the ingredients. I loved the display of the macaroni and cheese within its own tray. The cheese on top had a nice firm layer to hide the goodness waiting for you underneath it all. After all these years of waiting, I finally get to experience the love behind Miss. Robbie’s family recipes.
Then out of nowhere, Tim Norman and Chef Chanda Clark appeared and the restaurant went into a frenzy. I didn’t want to get up and leave my food at the table so I missed my picture with Tim. Some guests had the amazing opportunity to say hello to Ms. Robbie on FaceTime as Tim held up his phone. That was a great moment to watch too. Thankfully I was able to snap a few pics with Chef Clark and Johnnie.
Overall my food was excellent and my waiter Brandon made sure all of the guests were taken care of like family. I look forward to coming back once the grand opening is announced and I will try some of the other items on the menu. SWEET TIMES is making its presence known in Houston and its future is looking bright.