• Genesis Steakhouse closed on April 30 after the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA) revoked its kosher certification in January due to a fish of unknown kosher status.
• Owner Jason Goldstein is reopening the restaurant as Exodus Bar & Grill, a non-kosher establishment, aiming to appeal to a broader customer base and offer lower price points.
• Exodus will feature a new menu including dishes mixing meat and dairy, as well as some kosher options available upon request, and will be open daily, including Friday nights and Saturdays.

Genesis Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Houston closed its doors on April 30, 2025, after losing its kosher certification from the Houston Kashruth Association (HKA). Owner Jason Goldstein is rebranding and reopening the space as Exodus Bar and Grill. This new restaurant will not be kosher and aims to cater to a wider audience by offering a menu that includes dishes mixing meat and dairy, as well as remaining open on Friday nights and Saturdays. The move comes after the HKA revoked Genesis' certification due to finding non-kosher food in the kitchen, leading to a significant drop in business from observant Jewish customers.

• What: Genesis Steakhouse is being rebranded as Exodus Bar and Grill, switching from kosher to non-kosher cuisine.
• Who: Jason Goldstein (owner), Houston Kashruth Association (HKA), Vaad Harabanim, Ziggy Gruber (Kenny & Ziggy’s owner).
• When: Genesis Steakhouse closed on April 30, 2025. Exodus Bar and Grill is expected to open in May 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 following the loss of kosher certification. By transitioning to a non-kosher menu, Goldstein aims to appeal to a broader customer base, including less observant Jews and general residents of the Meyerland area. This move allows for greater menu flexibility, the ability to operate on weekends, and potentially lower costs due to the use of non-kosher ingredients. The success of Exodus will depend on its ability to attract a diverse clientele while still catering to those who previously frequented Genesis for its kosher options.

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 emerges as a phoenix from the ashes of Genesis Steakhouse, a symbolic transition fueled by the revocation of its kosher certification and the subsequent financial strain. Owner Jason Goldstein aims to create a neighborhood restaurant with broad appeal, reminiscent of Houston's, by offering a more accessible, non-kosher menu while retaining some popular Genesis dishes like sushi and certain cuts of meat. This rebrand represents not only a business pivot but also a direct response to the circumstances that led to Genesis's closure, seeking to attract a wider clientele from the Meyerland area and beyond with a relaxed ambiance and lower price points, while still potentially catering to former patrons with kosher options available upon request. The success of Exodus hinges on its ability to strike a delicate balance: honoring the legacy of Genesis while embracing a new identity that resonates with a diverse Houston dining scene.