From the people behind B & B Butchers, Turner’s, and Emilia’s Havana, The Annie, and more, comes Buttermilk Baby – a old fashioned soda fountain concept with a modern touch with sundaes, shakes, and ice creams. Slated to open this September, the throwback concept also plans to offer a Southern-inspired comfort food menu.
To realize its nostalgic vision, Berg tapped New York-based design firm, ICRAVE, to create its 3,000-square-foot, fast-casual restaurant in Building 2 of M-K-T Heights.
“Buttermilk Baby is my take on an old-school soda fountain, which was a gathering place for families and the center of social activity. 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. It really will be a treat for Houstonians of all ages,” said Berg Hospitality Group, Benjamin Berg.
In keeping with its throwback ice cream bar concept, Berg Hospitality is partnering with soft-serve pioneers Carvel, “America’s first retail ice cream franchise”. The company, founded in New York in 1929, now headquartered in Atlanta, is operated as a part of Focus Brands and now has over 400 franchise locations across the country.
“Carvel has my favorite soft-serve and is the originator of soft-serve ice cream,” said Benjamin 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!”
At Buttermilk Baby, patrons will be able to enjoy a variety of soft-serve, sundae options, as well as Carvel ice cream cakes. Additionally, the business will serve burgers, biscuits, fried chicken sandwiches, salads, and more.
“For Buttermilk Baby, we decided to take our fine-dining mindset and apply it to the aesthetics, ingredients and techniques of a fast casual concept, creating what we are calling a fun, ‘cool casual’ concept,” said Berg. “We’re taking a great mix of classic Southern dishes and using only the highest-quality ingredients to provide something for everyone.”
Berg Hospitality plans to open Buttermilk Baby this September at M-K-T Heights on 600 N. Shepherd.