Murry & Karen Penner
What’s unique about your team and how does the relationship benefit the business? Our team is part of our family; many of us have worked together since we were in our twenties, so we’ve literally grown up together.
Throughout the year we have many events where our brand representatives come to the store. Without exception, they tell us that our team is the best they’ve seen. This sentiment is validated often by customers who send notes of appreciation (and occasional bottles of tequila) for an experience that exceeded their expectations.
We are very proud of these accolades and credit our staff for their expertise, professionalism, and commitment to excellence. They love to share their interests beyond the fashion world, too; so, if you want to know anything about biking or scuba diving, great vacation spots, or dining recommendations, just ask. On top of that, they’re just a lot of fun to be around.
Tell us about your business. What’s special about what you do and how you do it? In a nutshell, we help men live their best lives in style.
We are unique in Houston by offering a curated collection of both established and artisan luxury brands, along with best of class casual offerings, all together, under one roof. We have been experts in the custom business for over 40 years and offer made-to-measure services from the most sought-after brands in the world, including Zegna, Kiton, Isaia, Brunello Cucinelli, Santarelli, Sartorio, and more. We have what many consider to be the best tailor shop in town, and we offer complimentary alterations, closet consultation, private appointments, style advising, and local delivery.
The M Penner Team: Judy Penner, Jeremy Penner, Cody Sever, Karen Penner, Belinda Hillhouse, Jesus Alfaro, Joel Choney, Andrea Irizzary, Whitney Wiggins, Murry Penner (not pictured – Javier Aceves)
What would you be willing to share with others about the secret of success as a duo? We are often asked how we can be married, work together, and not kill each other — how that works. The easy answer is we trust each other. We share great satisfaction in seeing the business and our employees grow and prosper. On occasions where there is conflict, the answer is simple. The buck stops with Murry … at the store. At home, it’s a … well, another interview!
And what makes for an effective team in retail? Everyone on the team works together, so a culture of mutual respect and trust is fundamental. We’re fortunate to have great synergy here that enhances the experiences of both our team and our customers.
Our team works hard, and they are really talented. To keep things fun, we like to have contests that involve games like winning poker hands and “stealing the $20.” We also set team goals, and it’s wonderful to see how the team always pulls together and encourages each other so everyone wins.
What’s up next? What can you share about your plans for 2023? After 17 years at this location, it’s time for a refresh and we’re embarking on a renovation early next year. We’re also planning something special next year to celebrate 50 years in business. Stay tuned!
Mason Clark-Sadeghi and Army Sadeghi (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
The event, held this year at the nonprofit’s Hope Farms near Downtown, featured for the first time an all-female roster of 10 chefs each producing a different course for the fabulous outdoor festivities. Many dishes featured produce from the farm, which aims to provide healthy food in a “food desert” and provide educational opportunities for kids.
Even the décor came from the land. “Shimmering white blooms plucked from fields of the co-located Flower Child micro flower farm seemed to levitate from a stunning black tabletop design,” noted a rep for Recipe, “making a spectacular display against the pastoral vibe of the barn.”
The menu included Tony’s Chef Kate McLean duck cones with scallion pudding, Savor+Sweat Chef Erin O’Leary Stewart’s black trumpet mushroom crisps with herbed cashew cheese, Culinaire Chef Barbara McKnight’s chilled cucumber-scallion borscht with dill bubble bread, and Cochinito & Co Chef Victoria Elizondo’a passion fruit ceviche with Habanada peppers.
Later courses included Chef Suu Khin’s turnip coconut cream soup with turmeric, Jane Wild Studio Chef Jane Wild’s handmade gnocchi with pepper sauce and mascarpone, Street to Kitchen Chef Benchawan Painter’s crispy chicken with coconut
kombucha squash and pumpkin curry sauce, and Camellia Monday Hospitality Chef Jessica Timmons’ braised Iberico pork cheek with sauce piquant, collard pecan Grits, and vinegared okra. For dessert: Recipe for Success Foundation Culinary Director Alyssa Dole’s olive oil cake with whipped beet mascarpone and carrot cake pompote — and The Bake Happening Chef Andrea De Gortari’s chocolate beet cookies and spiced sweet potato cookies, which were served to go.
Each course touted expert wine or spirits pairings for a thoroughly elevated dining experience. VIPs spotted among the 50 guests at the intimate, breezy affair included Bob Cavnar, Ford Hubbard, Renea Abbott, Sherree and Norman Frede, Aashish and Erin Parekh, Jessica Rossman, and Karen and Murry Penner.
Recipe for Success Foundation is “dedicated to combating childhood obesity by transforming how children and families understand and engage with food,” per its mission statement. “Through its pioneering programs, the foundation has empowered over 50,000 youth to make lifelong healthy eating decisions.”
Ford Hubbard, Renea Abbott and Thomas Hunt (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Gracie Cavnar (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Karen and Murry Penner (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Chef Alyssa Dole (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Milton Townsend, Bob Cavnar and Mark Sullivan (photo by Michelle Watson)
Javier Lopez and Jennifer Herrera (photo by Daniel Lopez)
Bow-tied servers and guests as Delicious Alchemy (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Gayla Gardner (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Aashish and Erin Parehk and Rudy Guerra (photo by Michelle Watson)
Norman & Sheree Frede (photo by Daniel Ortiz)
Kate McLean (photo by Michelle Watson)
At the Periwinkle Foundation's Iron Sommelier competition, more than 600 well-heeled Houstonians gathered to enjoy curated wines and an evening program promoting Periwinkle's camps, arts and survivor programs that support pediatric cancer patients and their families. Fourteen of the city's top sommeliers vied for the title of Iron Sommelier, handpicking wines according to a region, grape or style. The judges, including Paul Hobbs of Paul Hobbs Wineries, a.k.a. the Steve Jobs of Wine, evaluated based on selection, presentation, originality and expertise.
In the end, Guard & Grace's Matthew McLaughlin was crowned the 2024 Iron Sommelier Champion; his clever chosen theme was “Rhône If You Want To: Rhône Around the World.”
An exciting auction touted unique items like a wine-centric vacation in Gigondas, France; a personalized wine cellar with 40-plus curated bottles; and several other to-dine-for restaurant experiences.
John Gill and Andrea Kulberg
Third-place winner Alvin Pham of Andiron
Sean Beck, Paul Hobbs, Iron Sommelier Winner Matthew McLaughlin, James Watkins
Robert and Courtney Adams
Bryan and Suzanne Monk
Chris and Judy Simon, Joe and Carol Birkhofer
Caroline Kenney, Sandra Crittenden, Pat Mitchell
Amy and Jason English
Christina and Mike Slabic
Emcee Kevin Quiin, Periwinkle Executive Director Doug Suggitt
Natalie and Justin Goodman, Lorrie Lee, Roger Bailey
Frederick Brown, Phaedra Buchanan
Natalie Vaclavik, Nick Nguyen
Jennifer Kanak, Jim Veal, Paige Morgan
Blake Wellborn, Sarah Kaplan