Houston is known for its great food, unique shopping, and more. But did you know that #UHBauer alumni are the founders behind many of these locations?
Here, we highlight just a few #UHBauer alumni-owned restaurants, breweries and retail operations across the city so that you can shop & eat #UHBauer!
8th Wonder Brewery
Ryan Soroka (MBA ’11, MS ‘11), Co-founder
Taking its name from a well-known description of Houston’s Astrodome, 8th Wonder Brewery sells craft beer with a local point of view. With Bauer alumnus Ryan Soroka serving as one of the co-founders, 8th Wonder has grown over the last five years from a concept to a profitable business focused on customer service and quality, recently launching a nearby distillery in addition to its booming brewery.
11 Below Brewing
Brandon Moss (MBA ’07) and Jeff Handojo (MBA ’12), Co-founders
What started as a hobby between friends turned into a business, giving 11 Below Brewing its start. The brewery holds brewery tours, community events and happy hours.
BB’s Tex-Orleans
Brooks Bassler (BBA ‘02), Founder
BB’s Café owner Brooks Bassler combines New Orleans and Texas style cooking for what he calls “Tex-Orleans” style food. The menu was inspired by his grandmother’s family recipes.
Caphin Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Zachary Cousins (BBA ’14), Director of Operations
Caphin is a local company that hand roasts, brews and bottles the first commercially available ready-to-drink Vietnamese iced coffee on the market. Caphin wholesales at grocery stores, restaurants and cafes, and is distributed throughout the entire state of Texas.
Dan’s Seafood and Wings
David Tu (BBA ’10, MS ACCY ’11), Owner
Dan’s Seafood and Wings was selected as one of “Houston’s Best Hole in the Wall Establishments” by the Houston Chronicle. Dan’s is best known for its boiled, fried and grilled seafood offerings.
Eureka Heights Brew Co.
Lori Motes (MBA ’15), Founder
Eureka Heights Brew Co. focuses on making beers that are interesting, approachable and fun. The core lineup is focused on sessionable beers keeping in mind the 10 months of Houston summer.
Ginza Japanese Restaurant
David Tu (BBA ’10, MS ACCY ’11), Owner
Ginza was established in 1975 and is a local favorite in the Tanglewood area. Ginza has proudly served the Houston community for over 40 years and continues to prove that great food and service can withstand the test of time and trends.
Glazed The Doughnut Cafe
Edose Ohen (BBA ’09, MBA ’13), Founder
“Life is better with a doughnut” —that’s the simple idea that came to alumnus Edose Ohen to build one of the city’s premier gourmet doughnut shops. Enter Glazed, which now has two locations serving handmade doughnuts, including #TheMacon (which includes maple and bacon), along with coffee and other treats.
Luca Love Bracelets
Paulina Tobon (BBA ’13), Founder
Alumna Paulina Tobon is combining fashion trends with social entrepreneurship through Luca Love Bracelets, a company that sells handcrafted jewelry made by women in Colombia, who would otherwise struggle to find employment to support their families. Alongside her mother, Tobon runs the business, which includes a charity arm to support initiatives focused on education.
The Nook Café
Derek Shaw (BBA ’03, MBA ’11), Founder
Serving up specialty coffee and espresso (including its Cougar Blend) to the University of Houston community, The Nook Café opened in 2014 and provides a spot on campus for studying and relaxing with friends.
Teapresso Bar
Li Luong and Patrick Nguyen (BBA ’11), Owners
Teapresso Bar was founded with a concept of introducing a new and healthy alternative to coffee and Boba tea drinkers. Teapresso Bar is the first to bring organic coffee and brewed-to-order tea to the Islands of Hawaii. Now the business proudly serves freshly brewed tea in Houston that can be customized to your preference, using ingredients that are non-powder, non-GMO, and gluten-free, with vegan options. The diverse menu offers tea, coffee, lemonades, frappes, slushes and smoothies.
We Olive & Wine Bar
Amber and Luis Rabo (MBA ’00 and ’02), Owners
We Olive & Wine Bar specializes in olive oils, balsamic vinegars, dips, spreads, wine and more. Located in The Heights, this gourmet food shop provides live music, wine tastings, cheese making classes and more.