Meet Morgan Hansen | Owner of Best Regards

We had the good fortune of connecting with Morgan Hansen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Morgan, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind Best Regards’ success is the experience we create—it’s more than a cocktail lounge, more than brunch, more than a night out. It’s a vibe, a community, a moment you want to be part of. From the moment you walk in, everything is intentional—the music, the energy, the design, the way the cocktails are named—it all tells a story and makes people feel like they’re part of something special.

The hospitality industry has long been a boys’ club, but Best Regards proves that women don’t just belong in this space—we can redefine it.

Being a female entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, I knew I wanted to challenge the traditional structures of hospitality ownership. Women don’t just bring a fresh perspective—we reshape the way spaces are built, the way experiences are crafted, and the way communities connect. Best Regards is proof that leadership in this industry can look different, feel different, and create something truly memorable.

Beyond that, I’d say our success comes from a mix of vision, adaptability, and strong branding. I knew exactly what I wanted Best Regards to feel like from day one, but we also evolve and listen to what our guests want. Whether it’s introducing new DJs, curating fresh food and drink concepts, or keeping things visually exciting, we keep it dynamic.

Finally, I think the success of Best Regards comes down to people—our team, our guests, and the connections that happen here. We don’t just serve drinks; we create a space where people come to celebrate, unwind, and escape. That’s what keeps them coming back. And as a female-owned business, that’s what makes me proud—knowing that we’re not just running a venue, we’re leading a shift in what hospitality looks like.

What should our readers know about your business?
Best Regards isn’t just a cocktail lounge—it’s an experience, a mood, a destination. From the moment you walk through the arch, the goal is for you to feel transported—like you’ve stepped into a completely different world. Houston has an incredible food and drink scene, but I wanted to create something that goes beyond just great cocktails. Best Regards is about energy, ambiance, music, and the feeling of effortless fun, whether you’re here for brunch or a late-night celebration.

Unlike venues on the East and West Coasts, where natural landscapes set the tone, Best Regards was designed to be its own escape. I wanted to create a space that makes you forget where you are the moment you walk in—where the atmosphere, design, and experience transport you completely. It’s not just about drinks or decor; it’s about crafting a world that feels like a destination in itself.

What sets us apart is the meticulous attention to detail. The design, branding, cocktails, DJs—everything is carefully curated to feel high-end yet approachable, stylish yet playful. That’s what excites me the most—knowing that when people walk in, they’re not just ordering a drink; they’re stepping into something intentional and unforgettable.

Getting to this point hasn’t been easy. Like any business, there have been challenges—ensuring the brand stands out in a competitive market, navigating the dynamics of a team that is imperative to executing the vision, and learning to trust my instincts even in moments of uncertainty. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that vision and execution go hand in hand. You can have the best idea in the world, but without the right team, the right strategy, and the ability to adapt and evolve, it won’t go anywhere. Best Regards thrives because of the people who understand and elevate the brand, bringing creativity, dedication, and adaptability to everything we do.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d make sure they got the full Houston experience—great food, a little movement, and a lot of fun. Here’s how we’d do a weekend:

Friday
We’d kick things off with a cycling class at Ryde in the Heights—because a little sweat makes happy hour even better. From there, we’d head next door to Best Regards for No Paper Trails cocktails and a charcuterie board in the garden. After that, we’d grab dinner at Uchi for some of the best sushi in the city before capping the night with a show at 713 Music Hall, The Improv, or a Rockets game if they’re playing.

Saturday
We’d start the morning with breakfast tacos from Mickey’s farmer’s market-style tent on Wakefield in Garden Oaks, right across from Great Heights Brewing Company—truly one of the best hidden gems in town. After fueling up, we’d head to East River 9 to hit a bucket of balls with an epic city view. For dinner, it’s all about an elevated, immersive experience at Toca Madera, followed by a stop at Best Regards, where Keelan Foreal or Cesar Casanova would be setting the vibe with their incredible sets.

Sunday
Sunday starts slow with coffee and a breakfast biscuit at Slowpokes, followed by a flow at Black Swan Yoga to reset before the week. Then, we’re heading back to Best Regards for our “Sunday’s Best” special—brunch boards, cocktails, and the perfect Sunday Funday soundtrack from Henson.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My first shoutout goes to Holly Coneway with Modern Therapy, a true force in life and leadership coaching. Throughout the creation and formation of Best Regards, she gave me the courage, resilience, and clarity to navigate the challenges that come with building something from the ground up. She helped me trust my instincts, push through doubt, and stay focused on the bigger vision—even when things felt overwhelming. Her guidance has been instrumental in shaping not only the business but also the leader I’ve become.

Equally, I have to recognize my marketing team, Lite Coffee, led by Mateo Malonson and Niko Mark. Best Regards is more than a venue—it’s a brand, an experience, and a culture—and they are the ones who bring that vision to life every day. From our social media presence to the way our story is told visually and creatively, they ensure that everything feels seamless, intentional, and unforgettable. Their ability to translate the heart of Best Regards into an engaging, high-impact brand is unmatched, and their contributions are a huge part of our success.

I’ve learned success is about having the right people around you—mentors who push you forward and a team that executes the vision with passion and consistency. I’m grateful every day for the people who believe in Best Regards as much as I do.

Website: https://bestregardshou.com

Instagram: @morganhansennn @bestregardshou

Image Credits
Michael Anthony
Becca Wright