Anvil Partnership to Operate Original Ninfa's and Antone's

Legacy Restaurants announced in a press release today that the Anvil partnership of Bobby Heugel, Michael Burnett and Kevin Floyd have been hired to serve as Operating Partners of both the Original Ninfa's on Navigation and Antone's Famous Po' Boys. Legacy Restaurants will continue to own both of these local institutions, and Chef Alex Padilla will continue as Executive Chef.

"We're excited to have the opportunity to be stewards of two of Houston's most historic restaurant identities," says Bobby Heugel. "As part of this wonderful family, including folks who have worked at Original Ninfa's for over 30 years, we plan to carry on the same traditions that made Original Ninfa's and Antone's Houston icons."

Legacy Restaurants, manager of the much beloved Original Ninfa's on Navigation and Antone's Famous Po'Boys, and Bobby Heugel, Michael Burnett and Kevin Floyd of Anvil Bar & Restaurant, Underbelly and Hay Merchant have formed an alliance. Heugel, Burnett and Floyd have been named Operating Partners of the two Legacy-managed properties. Along with Chef Alex Padilla, the Anvil partners will be responsible for the future operations of both the Original Ninfa's and Antone's.

Niel Morgan and his son Chase will continue as owners and custodians of two of Houston's oldest and most iconic brands. Chef Alex Padilla will also continue as Executive Chef of both restaurant concepts.

"We have worked hard to preserve both the Original Ninfa's and Antone's traditions for a new generation to enjoy. There is no other group of restaurateurs we would trust more to help us continue this effort," says Niel Morgan. "Their dedication and success in preserving and enhancing the culinary scene of Houston makes them perfect." Ninfa's will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2013, while the Antone's brand will celebrate its 50th birthday.

"We're excited to have the opportunity to be stewards of two of Houston's most historic restaurant identities," says Bobby Heugel. "As part of this wonderful family, including folks who have worked at Original Ninfa's for over 30 years, we plan to carry on the same traditions that made Original Ninfa's and Antone's Houston icons."

Original Ninfa's Historical Timeline:

1949-1973: The Rio Grande Tortilla Factory operates at 2704 Navigation Blvd.
1973: Ninfa's on Navigation opens a ten-seat restaurant.
1973-1980: Ninfa's on Navigation becomes the most popular Mexican Restaurant in Houston.
1997: Prior ownership financial struggles result in the sale of Ninfa's on Navigation to Niel Morgan and other partners.
2006: Niel Morgan and his son, Chase Morgan, buy out other operating partners and begin to reinstate quality in the restaurant by hiring Executive Chef Alex Padilla and restoring the building.
2012: Bobby Heugel, Kevin Floyd, and Michael Burnett acquire an operating partnership in Ninfa's on Navigation and pledge to be caretakers of Houston's most beloved restaurant.

The Original Ninfa's on Navigation is located at 2704 Navigation Boulevard.
Antone's operates retail sandwich shops and its "Famous Po'boys" are distributed in more than one hundred supermarkets throughout the Houston area.