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Kingwood’s oldest restaurant is celebrating 25 years of continuous business. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 1980, the Brennan family opened the doors to the first restaurant in Kingwood, J. Christopher’s Pizza-Pasta. When asked why they chose to go into the restaurant business, Marcie Brennan replied, “There were no real restaurants in Kingwood in those days. Besides that, my husband and I had 10 children so we felt we had enough experience in food service.” After a year of planning, learning the art of pizza making, and help with the menu from a friend in Illinois, the doors were ready to open. For the family this was the beginning of a new adventure. The first menu consisted of pizza, three pasta dishes, six Italian sandwiches and spumoni ice cream. Today the menu features homemade thin crust, deep dish and deep dish wheat crust pizzas, numerous pasta dishes, sandwiches, soups, salads, children’s plates and a “Lite” menu. For dessert, the Brennan Family’s Signature Desserts of delicious homemade cheesecakes and cobbler of-the- day, featuring Marcie Brennan’s homemade crust; with or without ice cream, a treat not be missed. “The night before our grand opening, we invited friends from the neighborhood to sample the menu. They were surprised to find that it was a real restaurant,” said Brennan. On the first day of business, the first customer, not realizing it was opening day or that it was a full service restaurant, ordered just a beer to pass the time waiting for a prescription to be filled next door. “I can still see the man sitting there at the table,” recounts Brennan, General Manager of J. Christopher’s. “The next night was busy, but Friday night was an event to remember. At 8:30 p.m., with customers out-the-door and many inside waiting to be served, we ran out of food. All of us were dumbstruck. My father, ‘Big John,’ walked out into the dinning room and said to the customers. ‘I have good news and I have bad news. First, the bad news, we have run out of food. The good news is beer and wine are on the house.’ The people loved it and we have not looked back since.” “Our anniversary celebrations started on Feb. 5 with the Mardi Gras parade to Town Center. During the parade we tossed Frisbees with coupons attached. Throughout the festivities in Town Center, we served our delicious pizza. We also raffled off a 32-inch-flat-screen television won by 12-year old Zack Russo. The second prize winner, Sherrie Werner, won one free pizza per week for a year,” said Brennan. “Later in the spring we want to have a party in the parking lot, in front of the restaurant; the raffle prize will be a cruise,” Brennan added. The Brennan family is very proud that their restaurant is a place where many young Kingwood people get their first job. Megan Carroll, age 9, is proud to say, “My daddy was a busboy here a long time ago and it is my favorite place to eat.” Chris Brennan is quick to acknowledge his family. “Over the years my brothers and sisters have been instrumental in the success of this restaurant. We are looking forward to another 25 years serving the Kingwood community.” J. Christopher’s Pizza-Pasta is located at 2245 North Park Drive, Kingwood, TX. For reservations or to place a takeout order call 281-358-6601. Hours of operation are, Sunday-Thursday 11a.m. to 10p.m., Friday and Saturday 11a.m. to 11p.m. Ready to take
your order is Chris Brennan, |
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