Texas ABC license issued for the 3001 W 11th St location
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Overview
Updated 1 hour agoSlowpokes, the Houston coffee franchise, is cleared to open its eighth location at 3001 W 11th St in the Heights. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issued the shop's license on September 8, 2026.
The license clears the last regulatory hurdle for the ground-floor space in the Westgrove apartment building. Owner Mazen Baltagi spent $250,000 on the renovation, which ran from February to August.
Why it matters
A new Slowpokes in the Heights is a bet that the neighborhood's retail strip keeps drawing foot traffic and local investment.
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People Involved
Organizations Involved
Houston coffee franchise known for in-house roasted coffee and all-day breakfast.
New apartment community at 3001 W 11th St in Houston's Heights neighborhood.
Texas state agency that regulates alcohol sales and issues licenses.
Timeline
January 2026 September 2026
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Texas ABC license issued
Latest RegulatoryThe Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issues Slowpokes a license for 3001 W 11th St, clearing the shop to operate.
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Renovation completed
ConstructionThe Westgrove ground-floor space finishes its buildout.
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Renovation construction begins
ConstructionThe $250,000 buildout at 3001 W 11th St starts, slated to finish in August.
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Slowpokes plans eighth Houston location
AnnouncementCommunity Impact reports the franchise filed with TDLR for a Heights location near 11th and Ella.
Historical Context
2 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.
Starbucks' early expansion (1987-1997)
Starbucks grew from 11 stores in 1987 to over 1,400 by 1997, opening locations one at a time in mixed-use buildings and street corners. Each new store was a bet on foot traffic and neighborhood growth.
Starbucks became the dominant US coffee chain.
Set the template for coffee franchise expansion.
Slowpokes is following the same playbook, adding locations across Houston's neighborhoods.
Houston Heights commercial revival (2010s)
The Heights transformed from a sleepy historic district into a retail destination over the 2010s, with new apartments and shops along 19th Street and 11th Street.
Rents rose and new businesses opened.
The neighborhood became a hub for local restaurants and coffee shops.
Slowpokes' new location is part of this ongoing commercial growth.
