Bye-bye, Three Brothers

A month ago, Weingarten officially announced its plans for the River Oaks Shopping Center. And now today is the last day there for the Three Brothers Bakery.

"We got a phone call from Weingarten (the property owner) that we need to be out by May 4," said Janice Jucker, wife of Robert Jucker, a second generation owner.

And as that date quickly approaches, the Juckers are scrambling to find another space, which, according to Jucker, hasn't been easy.

"If we could find comparable rent in the same area, that would be great," she said. "But the thing you have to really consider is we're selling cakes and cookies. We're not selling $100 shoes, so we have to sell a lot to make a lot."

As of April 26, Jucker said they had not received a written notice from Weingarten, only a phone call. However, she added Weingarten had at one time offered a space at Highway 290 and Hollister Street, about 10 miles from their current location.

The Three Bros. River Oaks location serves as a storefront, while Jucker said all of the baking and about 70 percent of the business is done at the 4036 S. Braeswood Blvd. location. That is where the company is directing its River Oaks customers until an alternative is found.

[...]

Jucker said Three Bros. will not shut its doors quietly. She is in the process of planning a farewell party for its last day.

"We'll probably serve cookies shaped like wrecking balls," she said.

I think I know where I'll be stopping on my way home from work. Just a shame it won't be for a happier occasion. Hopefully, they'll find something in the area that they can afford.

Posted by Charles Kuffner on May 04, 2007 to Elsewhere in Houston