Ranch Restaurant Opens Houston

Long Weekend takes over the expansive 28,000-square-foot property formerly occupied by King's Bierhaus and its sibling breakfast spot, Egghaus. The German-themed restaurant and cafe closed in 2024 after struggling with rising costs and the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and a derecho storm. The new concept is a passion project for husband-and-wife duo Andrew and Paige Alvis. Andrew, a commercial real estate developer with a background in restaurant and retail development, was also a partner in the cannabis-focused coffee shop, Wild. Paige is a former public accountant, and the couple, who have three young sons, aimed to create a space where adults can dine while children play freely. Veteran Houston chef German Mosquera is leading the kitchen. Mosquera's culinary career in Houston includes stints at acclaimed restaurants such as Roots Bistro, Restaurant Cinq at La Colombe d'Or, and Cafe Brasil. His menu for Long Weekend centers on wood-fired cooking, a nod to the ranch-inspired theme. The menu features cowboy-inspired comfort food with dishes like an "Ax Breaker" elk burger, chicken-fried wagyu steak, and hickory flame-roasted quail. A custom-built wood-fired grill with a rotisserie, open hearth, and vault smoker is the kitchen's centerpiece, supplemented by a cherry-wood-fired pizza oven. Located at 2044 E. T.C. Jester, the venue boasts one of the largest outdoor restaurant play areas in Houston, set across a 20,000-square-foot patio. The family-friendly amenities include a Western-themed playground, an active stream with fish, a stage for live music, and numerous TVs for watching sports. The restaurant's design, a collaboration with the London-based firm Harrison, evokes a modern ranch aesthetic with wood elements, leather seating, and canvas accents. A custom art installation made from a photo taken at the Alvis family ranch serves as a focal point in the dining room. The Lazybrook/Timbergrove neighborhood is a community of ranch-style homes primarily built in the 1950s and 1960s. Situated along White Oak Bayou, the area has seen significant growth in property values and is known for its spacious lots and proximity to the Heights Hike and Bike Trail. A separate all-day cafe, operating out of the former Egghaus space, serves breakfast tacos, pastries, and locally roasted coffee. This positions Long Weekend as a destination from morning to night, catering to both families and the wider community.