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!
Café & Bar
If you’re looking for a unique local spot for a pick me up, stop by our sophisticated cafe for a coffee and seasonal light fare. To wind things down, swing by our upscale bar and check our menu featuring an array of premium cocktails crafted for the automotive enthusiast.
MENUCheck out our gallery below for photos of this unique venue destination.
We are ready to make your next event unforgettable. The Podium is a one-of-a-kind space with special, turbocharged features that can be dressed up to fit your taste and vision.
Included in rental:
- 2,150 sq ft of usable event space to accommodate 150 guests
- Indoor seated guest capacity of 80
- 3,000 sq ft outdoor patio area to accommodate an additional 200 guests
- 4 feature glass garage doors
- Back of house catering prep space
- Large, black marble statement bar
- Restrooms
- Carefully curated list of recommended vendors
- Bar lounge furniture
Add-ons:
- Premium beverage service and expert bartenders (exclusive provider)
- Security (required)
- Furniture removal
- Valet parking
Events Calendar
The Podium will be closed for private events as noted by the dates in gold.
December 5: Closed at 2pm
December 7: Closed at 3pm
December 12: Closed at 4pm
December 14: Closed at 3pm
December 24: Closed
December 25: Closed
December 31: Closed at 8pm
PUBLIC EVENT SCHEDULE
December 7:
PORSCHE CLUB OF AMERICA
Car Meetup: 10am (open to the public)
December 20:
REVVED UP: 7pm-10pm (open to the public)
The Podium is closed Sunday and Monday.