Houston Restaurateur Benjy Levitt Reopens Lee’s Cocktail Bar and Maximo After Revamp | Eater Houston

"The fast‑casual Texas chain founded by Houston restaurateur Benjy Levit has a cult‑like following and remains a core part of his hospitality group; over the last year the group launched a new market on Rice University’s campus and a location on Post Oak Boulevard. Levit, who has owned restaurants for over 30 years, says the recent flurry of change has been driven by diner feedback and a shifting industry: “When I first started, things needed to change every five years to keep concepts fresh, and I feel like that is no longer in play,” and “2024 was an interesting year for the world, and we were trying to listen and pivot, to try to speak to people are looking for, for sure.” The broader restructuring, he says, aims to balance comfort with challenge and to “push things forward,” showcasing the team’s capabilities across food, cocktails, dessert, and service." - Brittany Britto Garley