photo credit: Potbelly Sandwich Shop

The Texas Medical Center (TMC), the largest medical and scientific center in the world, is an economic driver in Houston. And Helix Park combines the scientific part with quality of life. The award-winning Helix Park, known for its distinctive design of six interconnected gardens spanning more than a dozen acres of greenspace and nearly 19 acres of public space, is a respite in a busy workday and a fun spot to spend the evening. Just like its name, the park provides an interconnected chain of green spaces, state-of-the-art facilities, and active music, art, and entertainment programming. Everything from bingo and movie nights to art contests.

And now, it has its first restaurant.

photo credit: Helix Park

Located in the new translational research campus, Potbelly Sandwich Shop opened on June 3 and offered the first 100 customers a free sandwich while donating 25 percent of the day’s proceeds to the Texas Children’s Hospital, a personal choice for General Manager Laura Wilkerson whose daughter received cancer treatment there and is now in remission.

“Texas Children’s holds a very special place in my heart, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of a brand that allows us to give back to an organization that played such a meaningful role in my daughter’s journey,” said Wilkerson. “For the local workforce, hospital guests, and visitors to the surrounding clinics and research facilities, Potbelly brings a delicious, craveable mealtime option. We’re excited to become the spot for everyone at Texas Medical Center.”

Helix Park is the 23^rd location for Potbelly, a sandwich, salad, and snack franchise with more than 50 locations across Texas.

“We’re excited to welcome Potbelly to the Texas Medical Center community and expand the food options available to those who work, visit, and receive care on our campus,” said William McKeon, president and CEO of Texas Medical Center. “At TMC, we’re committed to creating an environment that offers unique experiences through groundbreaking research, exceptional care, and everyday amenities. Potbelly brings a menu that’s both comforting and accessible, offering something for everyone to enjoy.”

“Sometimes we have food trucks, especially on movie nights in the park,” said press spokesperson Marcella Dwork. “And in the second part of the year we have Ojo de Agua, a Mexico City-born casual dining concept with an established sister eatery in River Oaks District, moving in.”

“Food has a way of bringing people together, and as our campus continues to welcome visitors from all over the world, Ojo de Agua will showcase high quality, fresh ingredients that reflect the vibrancy and diversity of our community,” McKeon said.

There are plenty more food choices planned for the park, and on July 23, the Studio Scholars program in the park presents “Beyond the Flames with Chef Christine Ha.” It’s an evening of conversation with the celebrated Houston chef, cookbook author, and first blind winner of MasterChef. Yes, bites will be served.

by Marene Gustin