Vibe Out: Lost & Found owners at top of food chain of Houston hot spots, hospitality
Written by Nakia Cooper on August 31, 2021
When you think of Houston’s nightlife and hospitality, ALife Hospitality Group is at the top of the list. With over a decade of experience in executing memorable experiences and curating special events, owners Jonathan Reitzell and JR Martin have certainly made their mark as heavy hitters in the industry. The two met on the campus of the University of Houston, and within no time, they connected and became forces to reckon with as promoters dominating the nightlife and hospitality scene. Prior to becoming “ALife Hospitality,” they were widely known as “Aristocrat.”
Reitzell and Martin have opened several restaurants and lounges throughout the city, including Kamp Houston, Drip Carwash, and co-owners of Prospect Park North & Prospect Park South. This month, we visit Lost & Found, which has become a great hot spot and eatery.
Vibe Houston: Tell us about Lost & Found – from the concept, to the choosing of the name and location, etc.
ALife Hospitality: Within the heart of Houston, Lost & Found brings a new twist of good eats and drinking to Midtown. We made a list of about 30 creative & non descriptive names for a restaurant and Lost & Found was our favorite choice. The decor came with the name. Lost in a tropical, colorful oasis to be Found by great service, food and drinks!
Vibe Houston: What do you feel is the best feature of your restaurants…the food or the atmosphere, or is it something else?
ALife Hospitality: The best feature of our restaurant is the “vibe.” It gives you a feeling like you’re on a tropical island while eating very unique food items you can’t find anywhere else in the city, and don’t forget our outside patio dining experience and amazing balcony views!
Vibe Houston: Let’s talk about your menu selection. What do you offer and what would you say are your most popular dishes?
ALife Hospitality: Our Cajun cuisine menu selection came from us looking to find different items that aren’t being offered in our area. Our most popular dishes are our lamb chops, shrimp & crawfish dip, and Cajun pasta, which you can choose your own protein such as lobster, chicken, sausage and shrimp, etc.
Vibe Houston: How have you adjusted during COVID?
ALife Hospitality: Since we are primarily known for our outside dining area, our guests still felt comfortable coming to eat. For us, COVID actually grew our volume even more since we’re located in Midtown and all of the surrounding establishments around us were primarily bars, so they were closed. We were thankful to keep our doors open while many businesses closed.
Vibe Houston: What do you do to give back to the community?
ALife Hospitality: We partner with various charities/organizations and give away food through our catering services on a monthly basis. We also partner annually with initiatives during the holidays to make that time a great experience for those who are in need.
Vibe Houston: How do you feel about the renewed interest or national push of supporting Black businesses? Do you think it will be short-lived?
ALife Hospitality: The growth of Black businesses has been a great thing to watch. As a Black-owned company, we work with other small businesses and companies to help push the growth.
Vibe Houston: Any advice to entrepreneurs or small business owners fighting to stay afloat during these challenging times?
ALife Hospitality: Our advice would be to implement new strategies. We are in a different time and different climate, so what worked three years ago may no longer be what works now. Learn as you go and put together a good team.
Connect with Lost & Found on social media
