• Genesis Steakhouse is rebranding as Exodus Bar & Grill due to the revocation of its kosher certification by the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA).
• Exodus will offer a non-kosher menu with items like shrimp, cheeseburgers, and mixed meat and dairy dishes, while retaining some Genesis staples like sushi and ribeye steaks, with kosher options available upon request for an extra charge.
• The new restaurant aims to attract a wider clientele, including less observant Jews and residents of nearby neighborhoods, with a more casual atmosphere and extended operating hours.

Genesis Steakhouse, a kosher-certified restaurant in Houston, closed its doors on April 30 after the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA) revoked its kosher certification. Owner Jason Goldstein is reopening the space as Exodus Bar & Grill, a non-kosher restaurant, in May 2025. This rebranding allows for a more diverse menu, including dishes that mix meat and dairy and the inclusion of shellfish. Exodus aims to appeal to a broader customer base in the Meyerland area, offering a more relaxed dining experience with extended hours.

• What: Genesis Steakhouse is being rebranded as Exodus Bar & Grill, a non-kosher restaurant, following the revocation of Genesis' kosher certification.
• Who: Jason Goldstein (owner), Houston Kashruth Association (HKA), Vaad Harabanim, Chef Arturo Macias, General Manager David Tenorio.
• When: Genesis Steakhouse closed on April 30, 2025. Exodus Bar & Grill is expected to open in May 2025. Kosher certification was revoked in January 2025.
• Where: 80 Braeswood Square, Meyerland area of Houston, Texas.

The rebranding of Genesis Steakhouse to Exodus Bar & Grill represents a significant shift in business strategy. The loss of kosher certification forced the owner, Jason Goldstein, to make a difficult decision. By transitioning to a non-kosher menu, Exodus aims to broaden its appeal and attract a larger customer base. The inclusion of previously prohibited foods, such as shellfish and dishes mixing meat and dairy, allows for greater menu flexibility and potentially lower costs. The design change and adjusted hours of operation are meant to signal a fresh start and cater to a wider range of diners in the Meyerland area. The success of Exodus will depend on its ability to maintain quality and service while appealing to a more diverse clientele.

It’s very much like Houston’s. A lot of the idea comes from Houston’s. A nice establishment that caters to the masses. People in the neighborhood want a nice restaurant they can go to with good service and good ambiance.

There is a lack of casual, family type of neighborhood joint over here. I don’t think that it’s a bad idea. On the weekends and at night, he’ll do well. You and I know Yiddishe people like to eat. If they like the food, they'll patronize his establishment.

Exodus was born from resilience and built for community.

Exodus Bar & Grill's emergence from the ashes of Genesis Steakhouse, following the kosher certification dispute, represents a calculated gamble to capture a broader audience in Houston's competitive dining landscape. While the restaurant will retain some kosher-style options for observant customers, its departure from strict kosher practices allows for menu diversification and more competitive pricing, potentially attracting a wider clientele from the Meyerland area and beyond. The success of Exodus hinges on its ability to strike a delicate balance: honoring the legacy of Genesis while forging a new identity as a casual, neighborhood grill with a diverse menu featuring items like seafood and cheeseburgers, and creating an inviting ambiance that appeals to both former patrons and new customers seeking a reliable dining experience. The opening of Exodus is not just a restaurant launch, but a statement of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity, and its performance will be closely watched as a bellwether of evolving dining preferences in the community.