Couple behind popular Little Em's Oyster Bar have another 'sexy' Southtown spot in the works - mySA

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Two months after celebrating the grand opening of their first restaurant, Little Em's, Emily and Houston Carpenter are starting construction on their second to bring an "Up Scale" vibe to Southtown.

The husband-wife duo opened Little Em's, a feast for the eyes and for oyster lovers, in December on South Alamo. The couple transformed the intimate space, which went from a filling station to the original Friendly Spot to storage for Madhatters, into a restaurant that's as delicate and sophisticated as the oysters on the menu. The posh pop of pastel in the trendy district quickly caught eyes — and Instagram lenses — making Little Em's a speedy Southtown success. Emily Carpenter told MySA in January that her restaurant had been "blessed" with full reservation books. They're hoping the following will make the minute-long walk to their upcoming restaurant, Up Scale, this fall.

Seaside savants will be able to cure their cravings at Up Scale, the next Carpenter-owned concept described as Little Em's grown and "sexy" sister, which will open inside the former Feast location.

"We are thrilled to announce we are contrasting Little Em's cute and bright vibe with a dark and sexy scene at Up Scale," Emily Carpenter said. "Our new concept will be a seafood dinner scene with steak and sushi also on the menu."

Feast owners Andrew Goodman and Stefan Bowers stunned Southtown in December 2019 when they announced the high-energy restaurant would be no more. Once known as a go-to spot to enjoy brunch and live music, the property has sat quiet since. The Carpenters closed on the 2,500-square-foot property, which was listed online for more than $1 million, on Monday and eyes are back on 1024 South Alamo. The site is buzzing again as the Carpenters' construction crews tear down walls to make way for their new venture. Though Up Scale has not served its first guest, the restaurant has already attracted more than a thousand Instagram followers in a matter of days, which is on par with the attention Little Em's receives online.

Fans of Little Em's are apparently hungry for the couple's next concept. Emily Carpenter noted the attention surrounding her original spot. She credited the food and service, of course.

"But I also believe it's the passion and hard work we have put into Little Em's," she added. "We have put our heart and soul into this and I think our customers notice. Top that off with an adorable ambiance that pairs nicely with Champagne and oysters."

Emily Carpenter said she and her husband didn't plan on opening anything more than the oyster bar. They've now launched a restaurant group.

"Soon after opening Little Em's we fell in love with the hospitality industry and knew we wanted to do more," she said. "This led us to forming Carpenter Carpenter Hospitality. We have some fun ideas cooking!"

Madalyn Mendoza covers news and puro pop culture for MySA.com | mmendoza@mysa.com | @maddyskye

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