Owners Pete and John Zotos had opened their first St. Pete's in Dallas' trendy Deep Ellum district in 1994. Since then, it's been the site of TV commercials for Heineken, IBM and the Dallas Morning News.

"Pete and John wanted to recreate the buzz of their successful Deep Ellum restaurant," says Boyd Page broker Mike Wheeler, who has represented the Zotos. "There is really nothing in downtown Houston similar to their concept."

The St. Pete's in Houston has a Chicago-style decor, with dark woods set off by large windows and walls sporting bill fish, including a 13-foot blue marlin caught by John Zotos, who manages the Houston restaurant. The menu is "New American," with salads, burgers, pasta, steaks and seafood. Nearly half the space is dedicated to an oyster bar. The restaurant will celebrate its grand opening Nov. 14 with a nonprofit benefit for Trees for Houston.