Wild Opening Party Gives This New Houston Restaurant Some Serious Buzz

While it was a flood that destroyed Houston’s venerable Spaghetti Warehouse, it was a tsunami of a pleasurable ilk that opened the doors on its reincarnation as Warehouse 72 in its new location at Marq-E Entertainment Center. Think a wild and woolly night that included burlesque performers, tango dancers, aerialists, b-boys and more. Think nonstop action.

George Atala of Johnson Atala + Associates and Architectural Construction Group hosted the preview of the firm’s latest restaurant design/build project. The vibrant tone of the bash was set by massive, colorful murals by artist Sebastien “Mr. D 1987” Boileau. The artwork presented the perfect Instagram-worthy photo ops for guests that included firm clients, associates, bankers, brokers, clients developers, artist and fashionistas. 

There was nonstop action as guest lounged across the plush, padded velvet banquettes and handsome quilted leather chairs. They hung out at the sleek bar. And, of course, they sipped adult libations from the hands of guest mixologist LaShan Arceneaux of Three Lumps of Sugar. Warehouse 72’s executive chef Jaime Salazar provided light bites for the enthused bunch.

The party action played to the lively beats of DJ Good Grief and DJ G-Funk with all entertainment, including a saxophonist and Alexandra Charles Co.‘s burlesque team, provided by Blah Blah Co. Adding to the glam factor were the signature exotic flower arrangements from Flowers by Nino.

Welcoming guests along with Atala was Warehouse 72 founder Doug Pak, in from BLD Brands headquarters in Newport Beach, California. Bernie Cantu of Dolce & Gabbana stepped in to handle the program that included a few colorful remarks from Mr. D 1987.

PC Seen: Bankers Randall Rojas, Mo Jammal, Luis Castellanos and Antonio Mojica; plus Parisian grafitti artist Serty 31, filmmaker Neiman Catley, gallerist Barbara Davis, artist Christy Karll McWhorter, fashion designer Becky Hollands, Nino Shbeeb, Brent Peddy, Pamela Encinas, Debra Linse, Barbara Pardue, and Kara Smith.