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Saturday, September 6, 2025 • Vol. 70 • No. 36
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Kirby Ice House Heights opens as brand’s largest venue and Texas’ longest bar By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com Kirby Ice House’s newest location officially opened its doors on Friday, Aug. 29, introducing Texas’ longest bar and the brand’s largest venue to the Houston Heights area. Located at 1421 North Loop West, between North Shepherd and Ella Boulevard, the highly anticipat-
ed opening drew large crowds 24,000 square feet of indoor and has quickly established it- and outdoor space. At its center self as a new Houston hotspot. is a 146-foot-long bar, now the longest in Texas, surpassing the A Record-Breaking Debut company’s Woodlands location Since launching its first lo- by five feet. cation in Upper Kirby in 2016, Opening weekend visitors Kirby Ice House has become enjoyed ice-cold beer, signaone of Texas’ most recognizable ture cocktails, curated wines, patio bar brands. The Heights Houston’s top food trucks, outlocation represents the com- door games, and more than Photo: Hasan Yousef pany’s most ambitious project The new Kirby Ice House Heights location spans a 3.5-acre campus, blending Texas-sized hospitality with ample outdoor space and parking. See KIRBY P. 2 yet — a 3.5-acre campus with
MIXING IT UP FOR CHARITY
Karbachtoberfest returns for three weekends of Bavarian fun By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com Karbach Brewing Co. is bringing back its beloved Karbachtoberfest celebration for three weekends of German-inspired festivities, kicking off Thursday, Sept. 19, and running through Saturday, Oct. 5 at the brewery, located at 2032 Karbach Street.
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A Taste of Bavaria in the Heart of Houston
The annual festival transforms Karbach Brewing Co. into a lively Oktoberfest experience, complete with traditional German food, stein-hoisting contests, and plenty of entertainment. Guests can enjoy Karbach’s seasonal Karbachtoberfest brew, a Bavarianstyle Märzen available only from August through October, paired with bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels, housemade sauerkraut, and other classic German dishes.
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Festival Highlights
Photo by Stephanie Shirley
Heights’ own Johnny’s Gold Brick bartender Christian Guadiana is competing in the 2025 Iron Bartender Finals benefitting the Periwinkle Foundation.
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Heights Bartender Reaches Finals of Periwinkle Foundation’s Iron Bartender Competition
Karbachtoberfest offers a full lineup of family-friendly activities and lively entertainment, including: • Wiener Dog Races – Entry is just $6 per pet, with proceeds benefiting Dachshund Rescue of Houston. • Stein-Hoisting Contests – Show off your strength and stamina in this traditional Oktoberfest challenge. • Bratwurst Toss Competitions – A fun, crowd-favorite activity for participants and spectators alike. See KARBACHTOBERFEST P. 1
Runner-Up and the People’s Choice Award. This year, Johnny’s Gold Brick is aiming for gold.
By STEPHANIE SHIRLEY The Leader News Contributor The Periwinkle Foundation is a nonprofit organization that develops and provides programs designed to positively change the lives of children, young adults, and their families challenged by cancer and other lifethreatening illnesses, all cared for at Texas Children’s Hospital. Among its annual fundraising events, the foundation hosts the Iron Bartender competition, which recognizes Houston’s most talented mixologists. This year, six of the fifteen contestants are based in The Heights. Notably, one of the five finalists for 2025 is Heights bartender Christian Guadiana of Johnny’s Gold Brick at 2518 Yale Street. The establishment
A Neighborhood Classic with a Story
Since 2015, Benjamin Mason has owned and managed Johnny’s Gold Brick, which occupies the former home Submitted photo of Jackie Harris’ Boom Boom Room, a renowned Heights landmark. Last year Lynzie Holland of Johnny’s Gold Brick took first Runner Up and the People’s “At that time, craft cocktails were Choice award. in their infancy,” Mason said. “There were a handful of specialty craft has been a neighborhood favorite for cocktail bars I really liked, but none over a decade, and the building itself felt like a ‘neighborhood bar.’ So, that carries a rich history spanning more was our inspiration: a place to get suthan 50 years. perb craft cocktails in a casual, neighThis is not Johnny’s first time partici- borhood establishment.” pating in the competition. In 2024, barSee BARTENDER P. 2 tender Lynzie Holland took home First
Photo courtesy of Karbach Brewing Co.
Crowds cheer on the dachshunds during the fan-favorite wiener dog races at Karbachtoberfest, with proceeds benefiting Dachshund Rescue of Houston.
Flipp’N Chickens returns to Independence Heights with grand reopening CYCLE to celebrate 200,000th bicycle giveaway at annual Bicycle Ball
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THE INDEX. Topics ����������������������������������������4 Classifieds ���������������������������������7
By STEFANIE THOMAS editor@theleadernews.com Flipp’N Chickens officially celebrated its grand reopening on Sept. 1 at its new location, 211 W. Crosstimbers, bringing bold flavors, a revamped menu, and a renewed community spirit to Independence Heights. The relaunch marks an exciting new chapter for Chef Reginald Scott, founder of The Smoke and culinary visionary behind the Flipp’N Chickens brand.
A Fresh Start for a Community Favorite
The move to a standalone brick-and-mortar location followed the decision to close The Smoke’s downtown site earlier this year. Angelica Grant, Chief Logistics Officer, explained the transition: “We actually closed our downtown location of The Smoke in order to open a standalone brickand-mortar. The Smoke is still very much open and, thankfully, staying busy through pop-ups, festivals,
weekly markets, and catering,” she said. “Chef Scott is a solopreneur, so we made the decision to take a step back, raise capital, and continue building connections with the community in order to take a stronger leap forward.” Flipp’N Chickens, which first earned a loyal following through Houston’s thriving food truck culture, now operates minutes from 610, serving an expanded menu alongside some of The Smoke’s Photo courtesy of Flipp’N Chickens most popular barbecue favorites, Chef Reginald Scott (center, kneeling) celebrates the See FLIPP’N P. 5
grand reopening of Flipp’N Chickens with guests and team members outside the food truck at 211 W. Crosstimbers.
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