Car shows, Car meets, Auto-X and track days have all been around for many years, even predating the Fast and Furious films. It was only then I realized that there was much more to the movies than modding and racing your ride to prove your worth to the community of like-minded individuals.
I’ve learned from my initial years in submerging myself in the European car community that it’s not just about the cars, it’s the friends you make with those cars. I’ve been a part of EuropeanAG.com since its conception in 2004 and I have enjoyed every waking minute of it. What started as a small group of friends with a passion for their Volkswagens blew up into a giant community where you meet a new face at every event.
Sure, we missed the close-knit group of people we had in the early days… but without giving new members a warm welcome like the creators did to me, we wouldn’t have the amount of members we do today. With new members comes new passions for the vehicles we drive (or don’t drive) everyday. With new members comes more opportunities to get to know each other. With new members comes more garage days, more ideas to pass on, more help, more meets, more events to organize and execute, more EVERYTHING. I have said this to many new members who open their garage [and home] to almost complete strangers of the club to get a little wrench time in: “You guys make me so proud to see you helping others countless times without asking for anything in return.”
The original meet started at Mission Burrito off Durham & I-10 on the first Friday of every month until the admins of the group realized the parking lot was too small to host an ever-expanding group of members. After a few years at that location, it was then relocated to Fuddruckers off 59 & Weslayan where the parking was a bit better, but still difficult at times due to Friday night life of Houston. Everything seemed peachy for another few years until one fateful First Friday when the Houston Police Department showed up telling us we were no longer welcome at the location. We later discovered that the restaurant had changed management and they immediately did not want us there anymore. Within a month, one of the creators, Michael Herrera, had discovered another location just as centrally located as the last two: Southwell’s Hamburger Grill. A family owned restaurant spanning 4 locations all across Houston. Michael chose the one that suited everyone, and that was the location off I-10 and Taylor Street. Located comfortably next to a giant shopping center with loads of extra parking. If you ever find yourself in the area on the first Friday of every month, stop by and have a look or shake a few hands or even grab a delicious burger! Most [if not, all] of us are a warm-welcome bunch. If it wasn’t for our kindness, we wouldn’t be as big of a club as we are now.
Cars have been a part of me ever since I learned how to drive a manual when I was 16, and they will continue to be until they pry the keys away from my cold, dead hands.
From my point-of-view as a young padawan of this Euro scene, the only direction we can go is up. Scratch that, we all need to actually go down, as an infamous saying goes: “Lower It”.
It was very surprising to see this article and one written by an EAG member, a forum that I’m also a member of. What kills me is the fact that businesses owners don’t appreciate this crowd. They are only losing business and hurting themselves by kicking people out. With the condition of the economy, you think they will try to create and welcome new customers or anything that attracts attention. Take for example Cars & Coffee. Starbucks makes a killing once a month from this crowd. I’m sure they will be sad to see it go.
In conclusion, business owners are missing the perfect marketing opportunity by allowing automotive enthusiasts to gather at their location. If it negatively affects thier pocket then they have an argument but I doubt it.
Hi Dex,
How can you say that “business owners don’t appreciate this crowd” when we have been at this location for over a year now? The only reasons why we’ve moved locations is because of change in management and parking issues, not because there wasn’t enough people supporting the establishment. I can personally vouch for contributing to the restaurant(s) every first Friday of the month, and it starts at dinner time which is perfect. We even make sure to note on every meet thread to support Southwell’s as much as we need a good spot.
Also, why do you say Starbucks makes a good revenue every first Saturday if the meet has changed locations 3 times now? They’ve certainly not been around as long as the EAG meets, yet they keep relocating. Seems like they either don’t like the crowd it attracts around the exotic and classic cars or they aren’t contributing in numbers like they should be.
I also don’t see why it’s surprising to see an article written by a member of the club, with the photos taken by yours truly. I’m just trying to give insight on how I feel the scene is evolving and a good bit of history about the club, considering I’ve been around since the beginning.
Have a good day mysterious EAG member Dex 🙂
When I said business owner dont appreciate the crowd I mean in general and not any specific venue. So I guess you disagree that Starbucks makes good revenue? My arguments are from a business perspective on how accepting the car crowd is good for business and not singling anyone in particular.
My reason for surprise is in my experience I find that most car enthusiasts only stick to what they know, the forums. I find it rare that they go outside the box and actively participate on blogs unless it’s about cars. It’s good to see an article on a site that has other topics.
Man I brought my girl to that meet and some Guy driving a emmkay 5 stole her from me. /: I don’t blame her doe, he was hella hawt. She came back 2 hours later all happy. I guess the cars are okay too.
These cars look pretty nice, I don’t really see to many like that around so unique is good I like how they are low