The latest report from Swamplot’s anonymous tunnel correspondent indicates that neighboring Asian fast casual and counter spots Thai Spice and Sidewalk Cafe appear to have both closed in the tunnel beneath 811 Louisiana (also previously and variously known as Two Shell Plaza or 777 Walker. Signage from the building’s management folks went up by the end of February, and the Thai Spice branch’s phone number is now out of service as well. An outdated leasing flier still up on the 811 Louisiana LoopNet page shows the layout of the spaces amid the rest of the tunnel stretch, between the Esperson building and the tower at 611 Walker:
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- 811 Louisiana [LoopNet]
- Tunnel coverage [Swamplot]
Images: Swamplot inbox (photos), LoopNet (old siteplan)
Out and About Downtown
The stationary/convenience store under One Shell has also shuttered. They keep raising rents and these small independent businesses are not able to sustain themselves on weekday and business hours alone. I’m sure others to follow once their lease agreements are up.
noooooooooooo that thai spice had a great lunch special :(
Part of the problem with so much of the tunnel retail is that while the tenants upstairs are moving out and putting space up for sub-lease the retail tenants are still paying full price leases. No customers + high leases + no happy hour, breakfast or dinner income = bad times.