Ben Berg's Mod American Diner Will Open Later This Year in the Heights

Ben Berg's Mod American Diner Will Open Later This Year in the Heights

A rendering of the forthcoming Buttermilk Baby at M-K-T

A MOD TAKE on a retro-savvy soda fountain, Ben Berg announced that his Buttermilk Baby restaurant will open this fall in the M-K-T Heights development.


Renderings of the all-American diner reveal a minimalistic yet colorful aesthetic, with neon lights and fun furniture dotting a sizable patio. As for the food? Expect Berg's spin on diner food, a la fried chicken, burgers and biscuits, served in a fast-casual setting. “Our goal is to create an experience-driven concept that evokes happy childhood memories for adults and that they can now share with their kids," said Berg, a dad of two, in a statement. "It really will be a treat for Houstonians of all ages."

Speaking of treats, Buttermilk Baby will have a mouthwatering ice-cream bar featuring Carvel soft-serve, milkshakes, sundaes and ice-cream cakes. “Carvel has my favorite soft-serve and is the originator of soft-serve ice cream," continued Berg. "With the brand being from the Northeast, I am happy to bring it to my new home. And everyone should try a Fudgie the Whale Cake at least once in their life!” (Fudgie boasts layers of ice cream, fudge, chunks of cookies and more — we're sold.)

Berg Hospitality Group is also slated to open a pair of brand-new concepts next-door to Berg's original B&B Butchers & Restaurant on Washington in April. At Benny Chows, Berg will, for the first time, explore Chinese cuisine, including dim sum bites and classics like Peking duck, along with a sure-to-be exquisite filet mignon-and-broccoli. Expect Chinese-inspired design elements and, upstairs, a rooftop bar boasting a coveted skyline view. Known as Canopy Social, the third-floor space will have a retractable roof and an indoor-outdoor decor scheme, a la rattan furniture, water features and tons of greenery.

A rendering of the forthcoming Buttermilk Baby at M-K-T

Food
Leadership in Action: John Kuykendall Traded Newcaster Dream for Success in Luxury Retail

John Kuykendall, Showroom Manager, Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove

How did you get to where you are today? Growing up I had envisioned myself as a news anchor, living in NY and enthusiastically saying into the camera “Good Morning America!”. To this day, I am still a news/political junkie. My mother owned fur salons so specialty retail, luxury retail was in my blood through the family business. Eventually, mom shuttered the stores and I was recruited to a large specialty retailer. Over the next 30 years, I was in commissioned sales on the sales floor, became a department manager, worked my way up to buyer and store manager. Although I never became a newscaster, I did live in NYC for a few years. But Texas is home and with aging grandparents, I felt the pull to come back to my roots. A headhunter approached me. I never envisioned myself in the high-end appliance market, but there are so many similarities. Clients want a memorable experience; whether shopping for diamonds and fur or remodeling their kitchen.

Keep Reading Show less

The patio at Heights & Co.

IT'S ALMOST TIME for summer vacations, but Heights & Co. is offering escapes on its newly redecorated patio in the form of wine and movie nights — no passport needed! Visit France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and more through wine pairings and tasting menus, all complemented by movies set in each location.

Keep Reading Show less
Food

Ally Shell and Martijn van Koolwijk

BLAME IT ON the Moon! Mercury Chamber Orchestra’s 2025 gala at the Thompson hotel — themed “Moonlight Serenade and chaired by Ally Shell and Martijn Van Koolwijk — was a night of glamour and big band vibes, raising more than $350,000 for the company.

Keep Reading Show less
Art+Culture