Forth & Nomad and OffChance Founders Andy and Morgan Sommer are introducing a new concept, Domo, a café soon coming to Houston’s Heights at 1420 N Durham Dr. Domo aims to bring a touch of Kyoto’s mindful, slow-paced charm to the community, offering a sanctuary for reflection, connection, and relaxation. With a dedication to intentional design and atmosphere, the couple wants patrons to experience the same calm they feel when visiting Japan—without replicating a traditional Japanese café.
Andy, whose background with Forth & Nomad includes curating a women-centric lifestyle brand and a popular café space, explained the inspiration behind Domo: “My wife and I love traveling to Japan. That’s our favorite thing.” Their frequent trips, including a recent one with their three young children, have given them a deep appreciation for Japanese culture, particularly its attention to detail and hospitality. “In Japanese, ‘domo’ is a very informal way of saying thank you. Informal in the sense that you only say it to friends and family.,” he shared. “The idea is that Domo will be a place for you to spend intentional time with those you love.”
Domo will feature a nature-inspired aesthetic with a minimalist blend of Japanese and Houston design. Patrons can look forward to locally sourced food options curated in collaboration with a Houston chef, and Domo Market will offer pre-packaged meals, drinks, and merchandise, reminiscent of the convenient yet thoughtfully designed markets found throughout Japan. The beverage menu includes Kyoto-inspired matcha, coffee, beer, and wine, catering to visitors seeking both traditional and unique flavors. Despite the Japanese influence, the Sommers emphasized that Domo is not meant to be a themed café; rather, it will subtly reflect Kyoto’s spirit of intentional living and harmony with nature.
The 4,200-square-foot space, which includes ample parking and a skylit atrium for quiet reflection, will serve as a neighborhood destination for relaxation. If this new concept resonates well with the community, then expansion efforts will be made to take the brand further.
The Sommers’ concept for Domo offers Houstonians an escape from the daily rush and a chance to embrace a more thoughtful lifestyle, all within the comfort of a cozy, community-focused café. The aim is for doors to open to the public by April 2025.
