One year after announcing its intention to launch a new convenience-store brand, the Greater Houston Retailers Cooperative Association (GHRA) will host the grand opening of the first Kudos site next week.
Kudos is a new-to-industry convenience-store brand developed by GHRA “to provide a friendly, refreshing and rewarding customer experience every day,” the group said.
“Our team’s goal is to serve great food and create a welcoming space where everyone feels appreciated and is pleased to return,” said Moez Maredia, owner and operator of the first Kudos store in Huntsville. Texas. “I truly believe in the spirit of Kudos, which is to give back to the community and recognize first responders and veterans.”
Maredia is an entrepreneur, GHRA member and resident of Houston. The Maredia family runs hospitality, real estate and retail businesses in Mumbai, Dubai, and Houston, including travel centers like Kudos. Maredia currently serves as a director on the board of GHRA and is past chair of the GHRA Food Services and Warehouse committees. In addition, he is chair of the Southwest Region for the Aga Khan Foundation USA.
Kudos No. 1 in Huntsville is part of GHRA’s ongoing growth and expansion plan to launch 250 new and remodeled Kudos convenience marketplace locations in three to five years. The newly remodeled Kudos in Huntsville was previously the Bar-T Travel Center and Truck Stop. The store is being rebranded and refreshed to provide customers with more high-quality options and experiences, according to GHRA.
“The opening of Kudos in Huntsville emphasizes our unwavering commitment to enhancing the well-being of the communities that we serve and the heroes, including first responders, who serve us,” said Brian Trout, GHRA chief executive officer. “We look forward to fostering genuine connections in the Huntsville community as we set the stage for growing the Kudos brand throughout the Greater Houston market area.”
Kudos in Huntsville offers a breakfast program featuring fresh biscuits and breakfast sandwiches. Kudos also offers lunch, snack and early dinner menus that include bone-in chicken, hand-breaded and grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, tenders and more.
A Big Madre Tacos y Tortas will also be open in the store, serving an assortment of authentic Mexican-style tacos, burritos, bowls, tortas and quesadillas. Big Madre Tacos y Tortas is a homestyle Mexican foodservice concept developed by GHRA in 2017. This Big Madre will be the 38th location in the GHRA portfolio.
Kudos’ personalized service options for busy customers on the go or taking a refreshing break include made-to-order menu options, self-service food kiosks, mobile-order payments, drive-thru, DoorDash delivery and clean restrooms, according to GHRA.
A ribbon cutting and open house will be held Saturday, Sept. 30, recognizing and celebrating Huntsville area first responders and heroes who will share information on safety and community resources. Several public officials, community partners and business leaders are expected to attend the events.
Customers can also experience:
- Samples from the kitchens of Kudos and Big Madre Tacos y Tortas
- Treats from GHRA vendor partners
- An opportunity to meet members of the Huntsville Fire Department, H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum of Texas, and other first responders and heroes.
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