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Meet Olsi Lito, Al and Angelo Scavelli of Crisp Wine – Beer – Eatery in Houston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olsi Lito, Al and Angelo Scavelli.

Olsi, Al, and Angelo, please share your story with us. 
We all worked every aspect of the service industry starting in our early teens, from dishwashers, bussers, cooks, servers, bartenders, doorman, DJ’s, managers and eventually having the privilege of opening and running our very own establishment in Houston, TX. We worked with liked minded people through out our time together, teaming up with some of our business partners which have brought long lasting Houston Concepts such as Pub Fiction, Shot Bar and many others along the way. Taking charge of renovating old vacant buildings or building venues from the ground up, we didn’t shy away from a challenge. We feel that working alongside people who share the same passion and vision can only help you achieve what you want. Being a partnership isn’t easy, but we each bring something unique to the table and try and make sure we stay focused on the task at hand. Opening Crisp wasn’t something that was initially supported by every one of our partners, considering it was the 1st concept that we would open without a liquor program, we went outside our comfort zone to create a 7 days a week Restaurant that focuses on an extensive beer and wine program which is complemented by an American Italian Chef-driven food menu. We opened Crisp in 2012 and are happy to say we employee roughly 50 employees and get to do what we love every day.

Has it been a smooth road?
There are going to be obstacles in any industry. In the Restaurant industry, we are responsible for delivering a consistent product every minute we’re open for business regardless of what challenges the day may bring. We completely renovated an existing building located in the flood plain, that was a huge challenge itself. After opening we faced the same challenges our competitors do every day, so we stay positive and productive.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
CRISP’s recently renovated single story, 6,000 sq. foot building sits alone on a corner lot in the heart of Shady Acres neighborhood in the Heights. With a 5,000 sq. foot patio/garden, CRISP is the perfect place to dine, meet friends or have drinks after work. CRISP offers a chef inspired menu focusing on American Italian Cuisine, over 100 hand-selected fine wines, and 24 craft beers on tap, for an elegantly casual dining experience.

CRISP’s climate controlled Wine Room houses over 1000 bottles of wines at optimum temperatures ensuring quality and consistency with each pour. Take a bottle of wine for a test run with the Enomatic wine dispensing/preservation system, which gives guests the luxury to taste test before committing to a bottle. We believe what sets us apart is our building and the product we offer. Our goal is to offer an upscale product in a casual atmosphere.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Houston is a great city, its ever growing and the food scene is climbing to the top with the likes of NY City, Portland, and Chicago.

Pricing:

  • Meal price is under $30

Contact Info:

Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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