Today we’d like to introduce you to Army Sadeghi and Mason Clark. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Clarkwood started off with Army and Mason wanting to open a wine and cocktail bar concept from inspiration drawn from both local concepts and from our travels. One afternoon we stumbled on the site and immediately fell in love with the historical architecture of the center and gorgeous courtyard. We decided to open Clarkwood, with the personality of being predominantly a wine bar with an emphasis on French varieties and natural wines with a small specialty cocktail menu that focuses on classes with our personal twist, such as the Clarkwood Espresso Martini where we use a special espresso concentrate that is tailored to us. We have been in operation for a little over a year, and Houston has fallen in love with Clarkwood day in and day out and is one of the top cocktail and wine bars in the city. We are extremely honored to be a part such a dynamic metroplex
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Opening a cocktail bar comes with numerous challenges and obstacles that can make it a daunting task. We had to start from scratch, which meant that we had to go through a ground-up design process.
Our inspiration came from their travel experiences on places which had a minimal and sophisticated aesthetic. We decided to incorporate this into our design at Clarkwood, which meant that we had to pay attention to every detail, from the color scheme to the furniture and lighting. Additionally, we lucky to work with the stunning building from the former stages theater building from the 1930s, which came with its own set of challenges. This meant that we had to strike a balance between preserving the historical significance of the building while still creating a modern and trendy cocktail bar. We also had to navigate the complex regulations and legal requirements that come with opening a bar in a historical building, including obtaining licenses, permits, and certifications. Finally, we had to create a menu that would appeal to their target audience while still being unique and memorable. All of these challenges required careful planning, attention to detail, and a willingness to adapt to unexpected circumstances.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
We are passionate individuals who love to travel and draw inspiration from our experiences. We always sent to gravitate and explore Europe, South America, and all over the United States, soaking up the culture and incorporating it into our work.
Our main focus is on crafting delicious cocktails and selecting wines that are difficult to source that are unique and edgy. We love to draw inspiration from our travels and incorporate it into our designs and recipes. Our aim is to provide our customers with a one-of-a-kind experience that they won’t find anywhere else.
We have been in the hospitality industry since our teenage years and have always had a passion for it. We believe that every interaction should be unique and memorable, and we strive to provide that with every piece of furniture we create and every cocktail we make.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Army’s passion for cuisine and hospitality take shape from his late teens. From a young age, I would always be interested in cooking and experimenting with different recipes. I would spend hours in the kitchen, trying out new dishes and perfecting his culinary skills.
As I got older, my passion for cuisine only grew stronger. I would often host dinner parties and cook for his friends and family, always impressing everyone with his delicious creations. It was clear that I had a natural talent for cooking and hospitality.
Throughout our childhood and adolescence, my love for cuisine and hospitality continued to flourish. I would watch cooking shows, read cookbooks and attend culinary classes to learn more about his craft. I began developing a passion for Cocktails and wine and use my culinary background to create the cocktails that has an emphasis on the classic with a twist.
Mason developed a passion for fashion, design, and wine. These interests came from various sources, such as exposure to different cultures, family influence, and personal experiences that Mason wanted to imprint into Clarkwood’s aesthetic.
Fashion and design was very appealing to Mason who’s has naturally had an eye for aesthetics and creativity. Her natural talent for visualizing and creating different styles and designs alongside Army was a harmonious undertaking when creating Clarkwood.
On the other hand, Mason was also fascinated by the complex flavors and aromas of different wines. She has developed an interest in wine through personal experiences such as tasting different varieties or visiting wineries and has been drawn to the culture and history surrounding winemaking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.clarkwoodhtx.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkwoodhtx/
