May 04, 2007
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
Comments

Wait a minute...

They haven't received written notice? I thought by law, a termination of lease notice has to be delivered in writing at least 30 days prior to the ending of the lease.

If that didn't happen, Weingarten could be in for a legal battle. Also, the fact that they did not work with Three Brothers to find a reasonable alternate location is just poor on their part. To me, 10 miles away is not reasonable.

Posted by: Michael W. Jones on May 4, 2007 6:53 AM

Three Brothers makes the BEST cakes. Salivating now.

Posted by: muse on May 4, 2007 7:34 AM

Michael - I know they've been on a month-to-month lease since at least March. Don't know if that addresses your point or not, but there it is.

Posted by: Charles Kuffner on May 4, 2007 9:29 AM

Under Property Code section 91.001(b), the default rule for a tenant renting month-to-month is to be given at least one month's notice. Written notice is not required. This default rule, however, is often modified by a written lease agreement between the landlord and the tenant.

Posted by: Kenneth Fair on May 4, 2007 10:26 AM