SWEET TIMES OWNED BY SWEETIE PIE’S
SOFT OPENING EXPERIENCE
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.
29 Comments
Mary L Mooney
I cannot wait to get to eat at this establishment.And get to meet Mr. Charles. Retired Cafeteria Manager/Supr.
Anonymous
Please stop telling everyone that the location on Fulton is open. We had 30 friends and family pull up to a closed location. Tuesday March 8, 2018 we all was very disappointed we travel for 7hrs to finally have a taste of the Famous Sweetie Pies
Angela Cherise
Hello Anonymous. It is quite unfortunate and sad to hear that you and your family drove for 7 hours and arrived to a closed restaurant. I’m not sure what the Houston Sweetie Pie’s schedule is at this point however, I will pass this information on to the business owners and hopefully provide some updated information if available.
Anonymous
Someone was telling me about the pop-up that was close to Sam’s.How can we know when you’re doing that?
Angela Cherise
Hello. I will post updates when available.
Vikki scott
My name is Vikki an I visited the pop up in Mesquite Tx unfortunately on Sunday I waited all day an they ran out of food. They refunded my money an Tim said that we would receive a 30.00 voucher but I have not received that via email can you please see if that is still coming to me?
Angela Cherise
Hello Vikki. I shared your comment with Bruce and he is checking on it.
April
So is sweetie pies in 5th ward open or not?!?!?
Angela Cherise
Hello April. The Fifth Ward location is open however, I’m not sure of the operating hours. I visited the new location on December 28 and it was open for business.
Barbarann Moore
Hello
The internet should inform people that the Richmond location is CLOSED. I am new to Houston and I’m still trying to find my way, and to go to a place that is closed is not good. Then I go to the one on Fulton and you guys are closed because you guys are taping. No signs or nothing (REALLY).I am glad that Robbie didn’t put her name on this one. I am from Kansas City Mo. and I would travel to St. Louis 3 times a month just to go to Sweetie Pie’s. My family is coming to Houston next month to visit but you guys don’t have to worry about these customers because I will NOT be back. If this is how you treat your customers I don’t see how you guys are still in business
Recellanese Williams
Listen you guys came to far to go down now I pray that God turns things around. I was a chef for ? 20 Year’s in the military I would love to change the employees mind set in a positive manner I really would love for you guys to thrive I am having a family reunion in July in Houston after reading the negative review we had decided to change the venue I would like to stop by and see you all Please slow down stay focused and get rid of dead weight Speaking recovery over your business
Mona Lisa
I went to the sweetie pie/sweet time location in Houston on December 14, 2017. We drove there from New Orleans it was suppose to be a surprise for my husband. He watch them every Saturday night on Own. Well, inot only was it a surprise for him, I was surprised as well. They were closed down. I was so hurt and disappointed at the same time. My husband was surpised and sad at the same time. we stayed in Houston any way for two days just enjoying each other.
Angela Cherise
I have good news Mona! A new Sweetie Pie’s Houston (North side) location is open and ready for business. 2836 Fulton Street Houston, Texas 77009 is the address. View the article update above so that you can call for the hours of operation.
I’m sorry to hear that your surprise didn’t turn out so well. Hopefully you’ll be able to do a repeat trip and experience the Sweetie Pie’s restaurant. Thanks for stopping by GlitterandGumbo.com and Happy Holidays!
Anonymous
I was in California in October and the Inglewood location was closed. In November I was in Houston and that location was closed. I was very disappointed that I wasn’t able to enjoy some delicious food at either restaurant. Hopefully one day I’ll be able to have a nice meal at sweetie pies.
Angela Cherise
Hello. Yes, the California locations are closed and I’m not sure when or if they will reopen. However, Sweetie Pie’s just opened a 2nd location in Houston on 2836 Fulton Houston, Texas 77009. You can stop by and try the food now. The Richmond location in Houston will be back and I’ll update the site when it reopens. Happy Eating!
Angela Cherise
You’re welcome Ebony. I plan on visiting the new location (2836 Fulton Street Houston, TX 77009) soon as well. Thanks for stopping by GlitterandGumbo.com and Happy Holidays!
Dee Dee
I finally found out about the 2nd location by continuously surfing the internet. The other Sweetie Pie locations are telling people, who call their restaurants, that the Houston restaurant is closed (any location). You may want to correct that because I almost gave up looking.
My family plans to visit Houston for Christmas so I am looking forward to experiencing the food I see on the television show.
Please consider opening a restaurant in Austin, Texas (Round Rock) !!!!
Sasha
We ate at Sweetie Pie’s on April 30th after church. I’m not one to complain about the wait(45 minutes) especially, since we were able to sit and talk before our party was called. So, we were taken to our table, ordered and it took our food 40 minutes. Now, that was a problem, especially since we saw folks who came after us, get theirs. I ordered the oxtails, collards, cornbread and “sweet” tea. I must say that the collards were delicious and well seasoned. I was not happy with the oxtails or the “sweet” tea, which wasn’t sweet at all. Considering the price tag, the oxtails were NOT good at all and I didn’t eat them. I want to support this restaurant, however, for the prices, most in my party were disappointed. I wish this location well and I hope that it succeeds. Thank you.
Angela Cherise
Thank you for stopping by Sasha and sharing your feedback.
Diane Williams
I ate at the Houston location last week, very unhappy. The prices are you high. The presentation of the food needs more help. Fried green tomatoes were a disappointment. The decor is very cheap. Fire everyone and restart, the food chain will fail if no correct/ proper training!!!
Clarice
I’ve been looking forward to the Sweetie pie experience. I finally got my chance early this month with family. We had a good time, and I’m waiting to go again. That was a fun night for me.
Angela Cherise
Thanks for stopping by Clarice and sharing your experience. Glad to hear you had a great time.
Andre Gipson
I really must be lucky, I grew up eating at the original store and moved to Texas and low and behold here comes, Sweetie Pies Houston., Welcome, Welcome!
Anonymous
We went Sat(March 4) and I think his prices are too high. The food was good but nothing made me crave it again. I am interested in seeing what you think considering you are used to the original. I did go to the original once and found the mac and cheese and the peach cobbler to be something I craved for afterwards. The Houston location cobbler was soggy at the end with hard peaches. I didn’t eat it all
Angela Cherise
Hello Andre. I’m sorry to hear that your Houston experience didn’t turn out so well. Being that they are still in the soft opening stage, this feedback will help them improve before the official grand opening. I’m thinking the new Houston cooks need more time to adjust and create the original Sweetie Pie’s standard. I am giving them time to work out the trial and error.
Also, don’t forget that you can win a pair of general admission tickets to The Taste of Louisiana Festival on March 25th. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your comment.
Anonymous
Feel the same. Servers seemed lost at times and food not on point as i was hoping. Overrated, disappointed. The sweet tea had zero sugar. Prices too high not much organization with how staff works. A wasted outdoor area. Would luv to eat out there. Meals to table came out in bits and pieces. So family eating at different times instead of together. I was going to express this to Mr. Tim but my daughter is such a fan of him and Ms. Robbie she ask me not to bring shame to him or the establishment. But i was let down.??
Angela Cherise
Thank you Anonymous for sharing your honest feedback. It is unfortunate that you did not have a great experience at the Sweet Times Houston location. I sincerely feel that they may need more time to train a consistent wait staff and cooks. My experience was good however, I arrived during the early stages of the soft opening. On your behalf, I will pass this information on to Tim and hope the next time you decide to visit your experience will be better. Thanks again for stopping by and leaving a comment.
KATHERINE CARRUTHERS
WELCOME TO HOUSTON TEXAS. I WISH YOU THE BEST IN HOUSTON. IT WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE A SWEETIE PIES IN KATY, TEXAS. KATY IS GROWNIG BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS. I WISH YOU THE BEST IN HOUSTON.