Houston Mayor John Whitmire proclaimed Sept. 9 as Local Foods Group Day during Tuesday’s public comment session, acknowledging the hospitality group’s 30-year legacy in Houston.
About the company
Local Foods Group was founded by Houston native Benjy Levit in 1995 and consists of four distinct restaurants and two markets across the metro, including in Rice Village, Upper Kirby, Post Oak, The Heights and Austin’s 2nd District.
The group focuses on using fresh, hyper-seasonal ingredients, with an emphasis on healthy dishes such as soups, sandwiches, salads and sides. All concepts are overseen by Levit, chef-partner Dylan Murray and culinary and creative director Seth Siegel-Gardner
Three other concepts overseen by Levit, Murray and Siegel-Gardner include Milton’s trattoria and the adjoining Lee’s cocktail bar in Rice Village, as well as Maximo in West University Place.
Milton’s, an Italian restaurant in Rice Village, recently extended its hours due to the location being frequently at capacity. (Courtesy Julie Soefer)The local impact
According to a Sept. 8 news release, District C council member Abbie Kamin recommended the company for recognition, as it has also contributed more than $1 million to charities across Houston.
“They support other local businesses throughout the reason,” Kamin said during the Sept. 9 meeting. “We recognize three decades of their commitment and legacy of quality in Houston.”
Levit said in the release that, on behalf of himself and his team, he is grateful for the recognition and acknowledgement of the Local Foods Group in Houston.
“This milestone anniversary is a testament to the millions of Houstonians who have embraced our local ingredient-minded approach to food and drinks and guest-centric hospitality,” he said. “It brings us joy to make others happy, and we continue to do so with gusto, day in and day out.”
Check it out
To celebrate the company’s 30th anniversary and the new proclamation, Local Foods Group is offering guests prizes and experiences with the purchase of gift cards. Promotions include:
- With the purchase of a $100 gift card, a Local Foods Yeti tumbler
- With the purchase of a $150 gift card, a Local Foods Yeti bottle
- With the purchase of a $300 gift card, drinks and snacks for two at Lee’s
- With the purchase of a $500 gift card, a five-course chef tasting with wine pairings for two at Maximo
- With the purchase of a $750 gift card, dinner for two at Milton’s with cocktails and a bottle of wine
- With the purchase of $1,000 gift card, a large catering order from Local Foods, which feeds 16-20
- With the purchase of a $1,250 gift card, a Local Bottle Shop Yeti cooler packed with beer, wine, and selections from Local Foods Market
- With the purchase of a $1,500 gift card, a six-month, 3-Bottle Local Bottle Shop Wine Club Membership
Gift card purchases became available online at 8 a.m. Sept. 9 at www.localfoodstexas.com/lfg-30th. They can also be purchased at any Local Foods location during regular hours of operation. Per the release, the promotion will run until Sept. 12 or until supplies last.
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