Today we’d like to introduce you to Thaddeus Wesley, Chris and Craig Joseph.
Thaddeus, Chris and Craig, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
The name “This Is It” has traveled from Houston to all around the world for over 60 years now! We are so proud to be known as the original soul food restaurant of Houston, Texas. It began with our great-grandparents, Frank and Mattie Jones, who had a shared dream of cooking for and serving any and all who came through their doors. When they found the perfect location, our great-grandmother said, “This Is It!”
Over the years, many changes occurred in the areas of growth in the business, but one thing is true…the food is just as great and special as it was in 1959. Our daddy and mama, Craig and Georgette Joseph, have taken This Is It to great heights ever since they took ownership in the ‘90s. The best part about it is that we were born in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, so we have literally watched “how it is done” for our entire life. This is why we consider it such a blessing to transition ownership into our hands.
We guarantee to not only honor our elders by continuing to serve any and all that come through our doors but to also continue that spirit of growth and service to pass on the legacy to our children.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been many obstacles that have challenged us at our restaurant. One of the biggest obstacles was getting a business loan to move into the location we are in today. It took us many attempts, but we eventually got it on the 7th try. Another challenge that we face is the transition of ownership from the 3rd generation to the 4th. There are a lot of logistical issues that have come into play and we just want everything to passed on smoothly.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Houston This Is It Soul Food – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Houston’s This Is It Soul Food Restaurant has long served up foods originated from traditional slave and Southern cuisine, including ham hocks, chitterlings, black-eyed peas, smothered pork chops and oxtails. Frank and Mattie Jones, the late grandparents of the current owner, Craig Joseph, opened This Is It in 1959 in a frame house at 1003 Andrews, located in Freedmen’s Town, a predominately African American neighborhood in Fourth Ward. Frank Jones had been inspired by his mother, who in the ‘20s and early ‘30s ran a boarding house in the Fourth Ward at the corner of Ruthven and Crosby. She served soul food to her boarders, who included jazz greats Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. In 1982, Frank and Mattie Jones moved the restaurant to a larger location at 239 West Gray with only enough room for 68 diners and parking for 12 cars. The movie “Jason’s Lyric” was filmed at the 239 West Gray Street location in 1993.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
In the future, we plan to continue the legacy of our great-grandfather to push our business to the next level. Our immediate goal is to expand in catering throughout the Houston area. Our long-term goal is to have at least one location in Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2712 Blodgett St, Houston, Texas 77004
- Website: www.houstonthisisit.com
- Phone: 713-521-2920
- Email: info@houstonthisisit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houston_thisisit/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Houstonthisisit/
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