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.
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New Orleans, LA - On October 22, 2024, I recently had an opportunity to attend the grand opening of Caesars New Orleans, marking the completion of a stunning $435 million transformation of the former Harrah’s New Orleans. It was an evening to remember, filled with excitement, luxury, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans. The festivities began on Canal Street with an exhilarating ceremony led by Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg, President & COO Anthony Carano, and Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad. The atmosphere was electric as they joined Caesar himself and an iconic New Orleans second-line band in a lively procession into the casino. It felt like the entire city had come out to celebrate, with Caesars New Orleans team members and Mayor LaToya Cantrell also joining the event to commemorate this historic occasion. Anthony Carano’s pride in introducing Caesars to New Orleans was palpable. “From local favorite Emeril Lagasse to our long-time partner, Chef Nobu, to the beautiful state-of-the-art Caesars Sportsbook, all-new rooms and gaming floor, and of course, our gorgeous new center bar, Octavia, Caesars New Orleans offers something for everyone. It’s a world-class resort in the heart of the Big Easy, and we can’t wait for our guests to experience it,” he said. The ceremony was a spectacle, kicking off with an iconic Mardi Gras float featuring Caesar and his court, and a dazzling firework show that lit up the New Orleans sky. The second-line band then led us revelers into the resort’s elegant center bar, Octavia, where we indulged in a “Taste of Caesars New Orleans.” Each bite from the six on-property restaurants was a delightful journey, capturing the essence of New Orleans’ rich culinary scene. Throughout the night, elemental entertainers, including the Saints Cheer Krewe, Mardi Gras Indians, Zulu Tramps, and showgirls, created an authentic and unforgettable Big Easy experience. Everywhere I turned, there was something new to marvel at, each performance more mesmerizing than the last. Samir Mowad, SVP and GM of Caesars New Orleans, highlighted the significance of the transformation, stating, “This year marks 25 years since we opened in New Orleans, and the completion of this project is the perfect way to usher in a new era with Caesars. Synonymous with the Caesars name, our new resort is pure elegance, and we’re excited to introduce a luxury brand like this to New Orleans. We are extremely grateful for the support of the community, our team members, and our guests as we come to the finish line of this tremendous transformation.” The hotel itself is impressive,…