We restored this prominent and dignified lumber barn for a new purpose. The vision was to create a space where neighbors could pick up a latte on the way to work, stay for a few hours online, or stop by for a craft cocktail in the afternoon. The building also serves as a bespoke venue, specially designed to suit a variety of events.

Sonic Automotive purchased the property from Stahlman Lumber in 2017, a Houston based lumber yard that had served the community since 1928. Originally an oil company, the business turned to lumber under Bob Stahlman’s leadership after WWII to meet Houston’s needs as development boomed. Bob’s health led him to sell the business in 1973, but his son Alan and Alan’s wife, Suzanne, decided to continue the family legacy with a new lumber business. That became the thriving Stahlman lumber yard at Greenbriar, which helped develop our beloved city.

Sonic built a multi-million dollar Porsche dealership in 2022 on this historic land, making it one of the largest in the country. However, the property’s legacy demanded more. Sonic’s founder, Bruton Smith, once said that we are not just in the car business, but we are in the people business. With that in mind, we repurposed the Stahlman Lumber barn to create a space for the Houston community to gather.

The Podium is partnered with a food and beverage team to bring the best experience to our guests. We are regularly open as an upscale coffee house and bar and are available for private event rentals. The Podium is the venue that was imagined, designed, and built just for our community. Plan your visit soon!