Aaron Franklin and Chef Tyson Cole has the opening of LORO Asian Smokehouse & Bar, is set to open a third location in Winter 2021 at 1001 West 11th Street, Houston, TX in The Heights neighborhood. LORO is Aaron Franklin’s first restaurant venture outside Franklin Barbecue in Austin and is also part of Hai Hospitality, the restaurant group that counts Uchi, Uchiko and Uchibā among its other concepts.
Like the original LORO, which opened in Austin in April 2018, LORO Houston will feature a variety of dishes created by James Beard Foundation Award-winners Chef Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin that balance Southeast Asian flavors with the rich texture of traditional Texas BBQ. As in Austin, the restaurant’s bar program will serve its signature boozy slushies, batch cocktails, beer, wine and sake.
“Since opening Uchi here in 2012, we have loved being a part of this Houston community,” said Tyson Cole. “We are incredibly excited to bring LORO to the Heights! It’s a fantastic neighborhood with so much history,” continued Cole.
“I’m super excited about LORO in Houston! More time with some of the best people in one of the best food cities in the country??? …YES PLEASE!!!” said Aaron Franklin.
The Heights location was selected for its fun, familial vibe, diverse community and interesting history. Austin-based firm Michael Hsu Office of Architecture will work closely with RE:VIVE Development, which owns the property, to preserve and highlight the original structure, a former sanctuary built in the 1940’s. Operating out of approximately 5,500 square feet, LORO Houston will recall the historic dance halls of the Texas Hill Country, where people regularly gather to eat, dance and connect, with expansive dining space inside, as well as outdoor deck and patio seating.