Brick House sets date; Tookie’s to return

Keeping abreast: If the men in your life suddenly get hankerings for sloppy joes May 16, there’s good reason.

After months of anticipation (and some really bad puns in this column), officials with Brick House Tavern + Tap are planning that day to open the eatery/bar at 3502 Seawall Blvd. next to the recently rebuilt Joe’s Crab Shack. Houston-based Ignite Restaurant Group owns both restaurants. Brick House, which shares company in the “breastaurant” genre with Hooters and Twin Peaks, bills itself as an “ultimate man cave retreat.”

The establishment serves up more than 70 varieties of beer — from both area and international breweries — and such signature dishes as “Doublewide Sloppy Joes,” “Big Boy Prime Rib” and “Chicken and Waffles.”

Man cave essentials include HD TVs, indoor/outdoor fire pit and soft leather recliners with built-in beer glass holders and TV trays for dining. And, of course, Brick House has hired an all-female service team of which members presumably are easy on the eyes.

The island has been without a breastaurant since September 2008, when Hurricane Ike destroyed Hooters, 2227 Seawall Blvd.

Squeal deal: In other long-awaited restaurant news, beloved burger joint Tookie’s, 1202 Bayport Blvd. in Seabrook, is finally frying up a post-Ike return this summer. Restaurateur Barry Terrell has purchased the iconic eatery, which was famous for its hamburgers, including “The Squealer,” made of ground beef and bacon.

Terrell, who also owns the popular T-Bone Tom’s Steakhouse, 707 state Highway 146 in Kemah, has acquired the restaurant and all the recipes that made Tookie’s famous, including the one for made-from-scratch onion rings.

He’s staying in touch with former owner Jim Spears and also has hired on some former longtime Tookie’s employees to manage the eatery. Terrell is keeping the green and yellow colors and 1970s vibe. The new motto is “Groovy.” He’s adding TVs and a high-end sound system and new furniture.

City officials worked to see the eatery revived. Seabrook’s Economic Development Corp. is abating 90 percent of the revenue from 0.5 percent of the sales tax rate for the first year, according to reports.

The abatement will decrease to 10 percent by the fifth year.

The eatery, which was sidelined after taking in 4 feet of storm surge during Hurricane Ike, opened in 1975. Terrell, who was a longtime patron of Tookie’s before the storm, is aiming for a July 4 opening. What did you miss most about Tookie’s? Join the discussion at Buzz Blog, galvnews.com.

Where it’s at: Wondering where to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Island businessman Dennis Byrd gives the word that RumShack, his latest drinking establishment at 3204 Seawall Blvd., is planning a 5 p.m. grand opening today.

The RumShack, with a palapa roof and Gulf of Mexico view, is an open-air concept.

Look for mariachis and other live entertainment this evening at the new venue, which boasts a Caribbean-inspired drink menu and feel. Along with The Spot Restaurant and Tiki Bar and RumShack, the complex is home to DRIP-Mojitos & Martinis and Squeeze-Ritas & Tequilas.

For information, call 409-621-5237.

Biz Buzz appears Tuesdays and Thursdays. We welcome your tips and suggestions. Call 409-683-5248 or email laura.elder(at)galvnews.com.