Chef Who Cooked for President Bush to Open New Restaurant in Houston's Market Square Park

Omar Pereney's French bistro, Petite Lucie, will serve from morning coffee to evening cocktails in the downtown park.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Chef Omar Pereney, who previously served as a private chef for President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, is set to open a new French-inspired café and bistro called Petite Lucie in Houston's Market Square Park. The all-day concept will feature seasonal ingredients and flavors from Provence, Normandy, and the Mediterranean coast, as well as a curated wine and beer program. Pereney is also known for his popular Love Croissants brand, which will be featured at the new restaurant.

Why it matters

The opening of Petite Lucie represents more than just a new dining option for downtown Houston. Pereney, who is not a U.S. citizen, previously cooked for a former U.S. president, highlighting his culinary expertise. The restaurant's location in the revitalized Market Square Park also contributes to the ongoing development and community impact of the downtown area.

The details

Designed by Gensler architects, Petite Lucie will feature shaded outdoor seating beneath live oaks and an open kitchen with a modern bistro interior. The menu will span from breakfast to dinner, showcasing seasonal ingredients and flavors from Provence, Normandy, and the Mediterranean coast. The restaurant will also offer a curated wine and beer program and catering services for downtown offices and residential buildings.

  • Pereney previously served as private chef to President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush in their final months.
  • Petite Lucie is set to open in time for World Cup matches in 2026.

The players

Omar Pereney

A chef who previously served as a private chef for President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush, and is now opening a new French-inspired café and bistro called Petite Lucie in Houston's Market Square Park.

George H.W. Bush

The former President of the United States, for whom Pereney served as a private chef.

Barbara Bush

The former First Lady of the United States, for whom Pereney served as a private chef.

Petite Lucie

A new French-inspired café and bistro opening in Houston's Market Square Park, owned and operated by chef Omar Pereney.

Gensler

The architectural firm that designed the Petite Lucie restaurant space in Market Square Park.

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What they’re saying

“For me, it was humbling because I'm not a U.S. Citizen, and so I was learning about them as I was taking care of them.”

— Omar Pereney, Chef (click2houston.com)

“We would sell out. And that's just so much dopamine man.”

— Omar Pereney, Chef (click2houston.com)

“This entire park is going to smell like butter and almonds and chocolate and cardamom.”

— Omar Pereney, Chef (click2houston.com)

What’s next

Petite Lucie is set to open in time for World Cup matches in 2026, providing a new dining option for downtown Houston during the major sporting event.

The takeaway

The opening of Petite Lucie in Houston's Market Square Park represents more than just a new restaurant - it showcases the culinary journey of a chef who has cooked for a former U.S. president and is now bringing his expertise and passion for French cuisine to the local community.