BUSINESS FEATURE Komedy Lounge Champions-area comedy club keeps spirits high A stage for comedians and jazz musicians alike is provided at the Komedy Lounge—a concept that was born from owner Leonard Hayes’ love of jazz and jokes. “I have a passion for entertainment. … I love to laugh, and I’m a jazz lover,” he said. He and his wife, Tracey Hayes, opened Komedy Lounge in the Champions area in December 2020. While the couple are not performers themselves, Leonard said they each have a background in busi- ness and entrepreneurship. The venue regularly holds events, including karaoke night, Sunday brunch shows, Latino night and ladies night on top of weekend performances by both local and national talent. The shows are hosted by Comedian Stick, who has toured internationally. Of his accomplishments with the venue thus far, Leonard said he is most proud of giving a stage to a variety of local talent. “In Houston, comedy is a big thing, but there’s not a lot of places to showcase it,” he said. “So any up-and-coming comics never have the opportunity or the stage [where] they can showcase [their] talent.” An aspect that makes Komedy Lounge stand out, Leonard said, is the venue’s full-service restaurant. The kitchen serves up gourmet dishes, including brunch, steaks, pasta, salads and burgers, as well as cocktails named after famous comedians. One challenge the Komedy Lounge has faced during the last year is competing with venues that are part of national chains, which Leonard said can aord to pay more-established comedians and musicians to perform exclusively at their locations, taking opportunities from smaller venues. Despite these challenges, Leonard said he is proud the venue has survived, and he and Tracey have big hopes for the venue’s future. “Due to … the hardship [everyone has] been through over the past two years, people need laughter,” he said. BY EMILY LINCKE
LAUGH IT UP Komedy Lounge hosts local performers and talent from all over the U.S. Feb. 19: Rising Stars Of Comedy Showcase featuring Rodney Bigham, Ray Etc, Rambo2Funny, AD Hodge and Ben Jackson with special guest Bob Sumner. 9:30 p.m. (doors open), 10:30 p.m. (show). $25. Feb. 20 & 27: Sunday Brunch featuring Stephen Richard. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free Feb. 23: Karaoke Night—two food items per person minimum purchase. 7 p.m. Free Feb. 25-26: Gaylon Jones AKA Richard Pryor. 8-10 p.m. $20. Feb. 26: Ladies Night—rst show featuring MC Lotto, comedian SandraDee and Roni Shanell. 8 p.m. Second show featuring Lotto, Shanell and Miss Teasha. 10 p.m. $20
Jazz musicians and comedians alike performat the Komedy Lounge. (Photos by Emily Lincke/Community Impact Newspaper)
Komedy Lounge features a full bar and restaurant where patrons can pair cocktails with meals such as burgers, steak and brunch.
Leonard Hayes (left) owns the Komedy Lounge with his wife, Tracey Hayes, while Comedian Stick (right) hosts performances at the venue.
Komedy Lounge 5060 FM 1960 W., Houston 281-624-7654 www.komedylounge.com Hours: Tue.-Wed. 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Thu. 11:30 p.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sat. 11:30 p.m. -2 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m., closed Mon.
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1937 Twin Liquors – originally Jabour’s Package Store – opens on 6th Street in Downtown Austin, TX.
1983 Twin Liquors begins to supply wholesale spirits, beer, & wine to bars & restaurants in Downtown Austin.
Twin Liquors expands into San Antonio, San Marcos, & the Hill Country with 50+ stores.
2022 Twin Liquors
celebrates their 85th Anniversary
2000s
1982 David Jabour & Margaret Jabour, rebrand the business as Twin Liquors in honor of their father, Theodore, who was a twin.
1995-1997 ‘95 : First Distillery permit is issued to Tito’s Vodka .
2020 Twin Liquors celebrates
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2010s Twin Liquors expands into the Houston area, and into the Dallas area with the Sigel’s brand.
For 85 years, your neighborhood Twin Liquors has been giving excellent customer service and welcoming Texans like family!
opening their 100th location in Lubbock, TX.
‘97 : First case of Tito’s hits shelves in Austin, TX!
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