It’s not true that we opened without sufficient parking. It’s also not true that we had a change of ownership and let the lease for our parking lot lapse.

The city seems determined to cast our issue as a repeat of what has happened on Washington Avenue.  Probably so the city wouldn’t be blamed for another Washington Avenue in the making.  This is NOT a repeat of what happened on Washington Avenue. In fact, it’s the opposite.

We’ve been open since July 2nd, 2007.

We had a legally valid contract to not only lease but also purchase our parking lot. The contract was in place before we even bought the restaurant. Can’t have a restaurant without parking after all. Not prudent to make a huge investment and not be compliant.

The owner of the parking lot refused to honor the contract. We then litigated for 2 1/2 years to secure our parking.

The only complaint about parking? In the fall of 2009, after we had been open for 2 1/2 years, FROM THE OWNER OF THE PARKING LOT. She called the city so much that she was finally nicknamed “crazy lady”.

Why? To see if she couldget even more money for her lot while our lawsuit dragged on.

The same owner is also responsible for Dean’s on Fairview losing their lease for parking.  She called the owner of that building and demanded he buy her other lot (for an exorbitant amount) or she would have Dean’s closed.

The same owner also called other business owners in the area and tried to lease and sell the SAME property we had under contract.

The same owner also called other property owners to demand that they tow cars.

Again, why? To drive up the price of her property by using the city’s parking ordinance as a very explicit threat.

It’s so egregious that a property owner can use the city’s ordinance to extort money from business AFTER they open that it just boggles my mind.

We met with the city to provide these facts in response to the “complaint” about our parking; I’m very dismayed that the facts weren’t accurately represented if city officials were willing to be quoted by the Houston Press.

We wanted to be in Montrose to be part of the neighborhood.  Half of our employees, as well as many of our customers, walk bike or commute. We want to be part of the city’s mixed use vision for the inner loop which is why we choose to invest here.

While the city has allowed more dense housing inside the Loop, the parking ordinance is 25 years old.  If you wonder why restaurants only seem to be located in strip shopping centers…now you know why.  It’s the only place with affordable rent plus sufficient parking  as required by the city.

Regardless of what happens to Ziggy’s Montrose, the long term issue looms.  Remember that Montrose was awarded the honor of one of the top 10 neighborhoods in the country?  Because it’s a walkable, eclectic mix of residences and businesses.  Let’s hope that the 105 year old house in which we are located doesn’t become a parking lot.

So no pooches on the patio.

We think it’s a silly rule.  And many of our customers have told us the same thing.  Many cities, including Dallas, give restaurants the choice.

We are a city which prides itself on the lack of zoning so it seems a strange choice to restrict where we take our pets.  Plus it’s a city which has spent a lot of money the last few years on dog parks.

Houston wants to be a livable, walkable city.  Montrose was even named one of the top 10 neighborhoods in the country.  I bet a great neighborhood includes people who love their pets.

We’ve heard that the new mayor supports giving restaurants the choice to allow pets outside.  So let her know.  Let your council member know too.

I guess Dallas is smarter than Houston.

Puhleeeeeze can I go to Ziggy's?

Same menu as our other restaurants plus a full bar.  We’ll be open 7 days a week to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner to you hungry downtown denizens.  Counter service during the day and table service at night.

We’ll have patio seating on both Main and Capital, once our sidewalk permit is issued.

Ziggy's Downtown

Each year, we put up a Christmas tree at the restaurant and ask our customers to consider making a donation.  For each donation, we donate a dessert to you.

You can donate an item on the basic needs list or from the wish list for each child.

The economic climate has been difficult for all of us.  Unfortunately it also has the sad effect of increasing the need for Casa’s services.

If you pick up a basic needs list or child’s wish list and add something to your cart while shopping, I can personally guarantee you that every item is valued and used.

We value our loyal customers and thank you for considering a donation this year to the children at Casa de Esperanza.

Happy holidays from Ziggy’s!

Kevin

Construction will begin in 3 weeks.  A great location on a busy corner right in the middle of downtown.

We’ll be open 7 days a week serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Same menu of good food, healthy choices.  Full bar with happy hour every day until 6 pm.

We’ll provide more updates as we approach our open date.

Plus $3.5 Ziggritas all day on Monday.  Fresh hand squeezed juices.

Every Monday

Every weekend until 3 pm or we run out.

Two local organic poached eggs served over toasted multi grain English muffin and house made apple turkey sausage with cilantro hollandaise for $10. Until 3 pm or we run out.

Every weekend until 3 pm or we run out