Popular Houston Tiki Bar Closed To Be Replaced with Irish Pub

Tikiphiles from Houston and beyond expressed shock and sadness at the Facebook announcement on November 2 from Mark “Howie” Voros, owner of Howie’s Tiki at 4334 FM 2920 in Spring. The post states that the last service at the bar will be Saturday, November 3.

Disappointingly, while Howie’s found a following with lovers of Mai Tais, Navy Grogs, Zombies and other traditional tiki cocktails — many of them driving from as far away as Dallas for Voros’ rum-soaked creations — his suburban neighbors didn’t turn out in high enough numbers to keep the business operational. “When I opened Howie’s almost three years ago, there were no — that I knew of — tiki bars in suburban areas in the U.S.,” said Voros. “I was excited to be able to bring that environment and history to Spring.”

The lagging sales made it impossible for him to continue and he made the decision to sell the bar to husband and wife Warren Broderick and Chanda Chaney. He’s confident that they will do well and he’s excited for their plans. In the post, Voros says that the space will be remodeled and conceptualized as a traditional Irish pub called The Wet Leprechaun Tavern.

The message on Howie’s Facebook page, November 2, 2018 states that the bar will close after service on Saturday, November 3, 2018. Photo via Howie’s Tiki Facebook Page

“This is a dream come true for them,” he said. “Warren [has] wanted to buy a bar for a long time. I’ve heard some great ideas from both him and Chandra. The menu they’re planning is small, but really thoughtful. I think they’re really going to do great things.”

Voros takes an optimistic approach to the future. He’ll continue running the bar program at Blue Onyx Bistro where his cocktail menus is — surprise! — heavy on tiki selections. He will also continue his personal commitment to exploring rum varieties and presenting cocktails he feels are perfect canvases for those flavors and nuances.

“I’m still going to do tiki however I can,” he said. “I love its history and I love being able to share that with people.”

Tiki lovers wishing to say goodbye to Howie’s can do so Saturday, November 3 from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.

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