Many in the Clear Lake area were heartbroken to learn that retro dance club The Hop was permanently closing after a 38-year run. But maybe some of that grief can turn to optimism when residents learn what’s next for the storied Webster bar.
Piper Hospitality Group confirmed to Chron first that Preslee’s Southern Good Eatery will open a location there after the Hop officially closes on Tuesday, Aug. 4, operations manager Ryan Manos told Chron. They hope to open the restaurant sometime this fall.
“We couldn’t imagine a better home for our next location,” co-owner Justin Piper said in a statement. “The Hop means so much to generations of people in Webster and the surrounding communities. We’re honored to preserve the spirit of this special place while creating a fresh experience where families and friends can gather, eat and make new memories.”
Last week, the Houston Chronicle reported that The Hop was planning to close following the retirement of its owner and longtime general manager Kevin Melton. The bar, which opened in 1988, featured an eclectic playlist spanning the 1970s to today.
The Hop’s popularity extended far beyond the Clear Lake area. In the Heights, Manos said one of Preslee’s regulars, upon finding out about the sale, said her parents met at the bar 30 years ago. “They had their first date there,” he said. “There’s a lot of history behind The Hop.”
The building that housed The Hop was built in 1916 and has lived many lives: Once as a gas station, another as a mercantile store and later as a post office. But more so than the age, the Webster building offers much-needed space.
The upcoming Preslee’s will have double the inside dining room compared to the Heights location—120 seats compared to 60. The bar will also grow from 12 seats to 60. The only sacrifices will be the smaller outdoor space and the old dance floor. Manos said there will still be a playground and big screen TVs.
Additional details around the exact opening date plus operating hours, menu and other events are expected to be announced in the coming months, according to the statement.
Brothers Brandon and Justin Piper opened the original Preslee’s at 1430 W. 19th St. in 2019. The restaurant takes its name from Justin’s daughter. You may also know it as the restaurant with the ragebait signage. While it’s gotten them into trouble online, you probably wouldn’t know it to look at traffic inside. It’s one of the busiest restaurants in the Heights, and it got there with decadent Southern comfort classics in a family-friendly environment.
That popularity has led to expansion, including another planned Preslee’s in the Katy area.