One of Houston’s Most Revered Restaurants Celebrates 90 Years With a Rocking Food Party — Brenner’s Looks Good at 90

From its rather humble beginnings as Brenner’s Cafe in 1936, Brenner’s Steakhouse has grown to become one of Houston’s most revered restaurants and the city’s oldest steakhouse. A 90th anniversary celebration was in order to celebrate the milestone and the restaurant, now under ownership and guidance of billionaire ambassador Tilman Fertitta’s Landry’s, pulled out the stops.

For the invitation-only soirée a 16-foot tall cake, yes 16 feet, signaled that the party was a very Big Deal.  The restaurant was closed for the night so that VIP partiers, 350 in all, could fully savor the historic evening.

“For ninety years, Brenner’s has been a place where families celebrate milestones, friends gather around the table and guests create lasting memories,” Brenner’s Steakhouse generla manager Paul Pettit says. “We are honored to continue the tradition while introducing new generations to the hospitality and exceptional dining experience that have defined Brenner’s for nearly a century.”

Though this iconic Houston restaurant came to life during the Great Depression, the original owners Herman and Lorene Brenner, newlyweds at the time, held strong throughout the decades. The steakhouse prospered and by the 1950s had catapulted to its status as the favored haunt of successful oil men and neighbors in Houston’s posh Memorial area neighborhood.

Brenner’s was celebrated not only for its prime steaks, but also for its crunchy German potatoes, Roquefort dressing, chicken Lorene and apple strudel, recipes giving a nod to the restaurant’s German heritage. Many these dishes remain on the menu with Landry’s working with Lorene Brenner to insure that the recipes are accurate.

In tribute to the rich history, passed hors d’oeuvres and nostalgic bites drew on the restaurant’s iconic menus through the decades. An ice sculpture piled with fresh oysters, shrimp and snow crab greeted fans of the restaurant as they arrived via a celebratory red carpet.

Bars served handcrafted cocktails and spirits from partners Maker’s Mark Bourbon and Maestro Dobel Tequila, along with wines curated by a master sommelier in partnership with Beaulieu Vineyards.

The Events Company, under leadership of Dillon Swain and Miriam Wagner, were responsible for the festive decor including florals, an ice sculpture and that towering cake. A musical trio in from Las Vegas performed nostalgic tunes. Diners played anniversary trivia and prizes were announced throughout the evening. The grand prize consisted of a stay at Fertitta’s posh Post Oak Hotel, dinner for four at La Griglia and dinner for two at Grotto Ristorante.

“Ninety years only comes around once, so we wanted a night that felt as special as Brenner’s itself,” Landry’s regional vice president Brandon Busch says. “Between the 16-foot cake, the entertainers we brought in from Las Vegas and a magician who left guests talking long after his last trick, it was a true celebration of everyone who has made Brenner’s part of their story.

“We’re proud of the history behind us, and we’re already looking forward to welcoming new generations as we head toward 100.”

Everyone left with an exclusive gift box that included a $50 Brenner’s gift card, $25 gift cards to Grotto Ristorante and Cadillac Bar, an engraved Brenner’s rocks glass, a wine key, Brenner’s signature recipes, Fertitta Family olive oil and sweet treats.

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