Today we’d like to introduce you to Brian Fasthoff.
Brian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started in the restaurant business, working myself through college. After college, I moved to Atlanta and eventually opened 3 restaurants over the course or 12 years. They were 2 big tapas restaurants and a small pizza and panini place on Piedmont Park. I made the decision to move to Houston to open another tapas and live music venue called Batanga. Batanga was in business for a decade, but we ended up closing the restaurant last July. Covid hit Downtown much differently than elsewhere in town. The business towers barely had anyone in them, the lunch crowd was gone, and there were no more Happy Hours either. So, we decided to shut it down. We still had the lease and great landlords, and the space features the biggest patio in Downtown. We decided to open a space called The Big Casino Kitchen & Bar. The name is an ode to an gambling hall of the same name that was house at the same address in the 1880’s. The Big Casino is a craft cocktail and full-service restaurant during kitchen hours, and we also feature a state-of-the-art AV system including a 16’x10′ LED video wall on the patio.
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?
Like anything, when the going is good, it can be magical. When hardship hits, that’s when you have to mentally prepare yourself to go to war each day. The whole Covid mess was completely out of control and very stressful for everyone in this industry.
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?
While we are a full-service restaurant and cocktail lounge, we really specialize in big events such as corporate holiday parties, buyouts, themed events, and music venues. We do have the largest patio in Downtown and the LED video wall for sporting events and brunches.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My wife fits all of those descriptors above. As a business partner as well for the last 14 years she’s ridden the roller coaster alongside me and helped coach, support, encourage, and celebrate with me. I wouldn’t be where I am at without her. She’s a shrewd businesswoman, my travel companion, and my biggest supporter.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebigcasinohouston.com
- Instagram: thebigcasinohouston
- Facebook: thebigcasinohouston
