Roger Clemens has chosen his Houston neighborhood as the site of a new sports-theme restaurant that will not only bear his name, but display pieces of memorabilia from his stellar career as a Major League Baseball pitcher. Roger Clemens' Rocket Sports Grill is slated to open in the spring of 2006 in the fashionable Memorial City Mall, on Houston's west side. The location is a few blocks from where Clemens grew up and attended high school and just minutes from his home.

"I'm excited because I want people coming to Memorial City Mall to have a new option for great, family-friendly dining," said Clemens. "Roger Clemens' Rocket Sports Grill will be as much for women and children as for the guys. Whether they come for lunch or dinner, I want everyone to relax, have fun and feel comfortable."

The 15,000-square-foot restaurant will sport a futuristic feel with wide-screen televisions and scoreboards covering events that appeal to all sports enthusiasts, not just baseball fans. It will also include a gift shop. Clemens wants guests to enjoy personal keepsakes, like his Cy Young Awards. "I've wanted a place to display memorabilia that even a die-hard baseball fan might not get a chance to see," he said. "Roger Clemens' Rocket Sports Grill is the perfect venue to showcase one-of-a-kind pieces that we'll rotate from time to time, so guests always see something new." Clemens notes that the menu is still in development, but will likely include many of his favorite dishes. He's also considering including the favorite dishes of his friends in the NBA, NFL and NHL, which could bear their names. "Most important to me is that the restaurant be fun, unique in design, full of energy and known for its exceptional quality food."

Unlike many dining spots named for professional athletes, Clemens plans to office at the restaurant. "My main role will be tasting the food," he said with a laugh, "but because Houston is home for me, I will be very visible. You'll see me there quite a bit."

In opening Roger Clemens' Rocket Sports Grill, Clemens is partnering with MetroNational, a Houston real estate investment, development and management company whose properties include Memorial City Mall. "MetroNational has been around since long before I went to high school here and everything they do reflects integrity and a genuine commitment to the community," said Clemens. "They are an ideal business partner and share my belief that this is a great concept and setting." Clemens was represented by Randal Hendricks, his long-time agent and attorney.

"MetroNational is thrilled to partner with Roger, whose love for his hometown shines through in all that he does," said MetroNational President and COO Wayne Hays.

Once the Houston business is rolling, Roger Clemens' Rocket Sports Grill might expand to Austin, where Clemens attended the University of Texas, San Antonio and possibly outside Texas to Boston and New York - cities where he once played. "I'm as excited about this as I was two years ago when I knew I was coming home to Houston to play," said Clemens.

About MetroNational

MetroNational is a privately held real estate investment, development and management company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Established in 1954, the company is active in commercial, healthcare, residential, restaurant, retail and automotive markets throughout Texas.