Mo’s Place

By Julia Davila

Home means everything to Moses Jeloudarzadeh, better known as Mo. He stands at the door of his bar welcoming guests. Every being who walks through the door is greeted with a smile and a handshake. You instantly feel at home. And, throughout the night, bar-goers can spot him walking the perimeters of his place to continue greeting familiar faces. No wonder it’s called Mo’s Place!

“Whether you are a performer or someone who just shows up, Mo makes you feel like you are family,” said David Joseph, President of DRJ Services LLC.

Where it all began

Jeloudarzadeh arrived in the United States in the 1970s and began studying electrical engineering at the University of Houston. To meet ends, he washed dishes and worked his way through the bar from a busboy to a bar back, and his infectious spirit gave way to a promotion as a bartender.

His love for country music started young, watching old Western movies as a boy.

In March of 1988, Mo’s Place opened in a small strip center in Katy, TX off Kingsland Blvd. and Interstate 10. Today, two metal beams mark the original walls of the then 2,000-square-foot area leading into the 24,000-square-foot space it has become.

When Mo’s Place opened, Jeloudarzadeh brought in six bar stools and a few picnic tables. Little did he know that that wasn’t enough for the 15 people who showed up. Shortly after opening, businesses in the strip center faded out, and Jeloudarzadeh was offered the opportunity to knock down the walls and expand.

In the mid-‘90s, Jeloudarzadeh booked his first big performer, the late country singer Gary Stewart (pictured Left) bringing in more than 500 people, Mo’s Place had to close its doors for the evening due to capacity. Since the mid-‘90s, Mo’s Place has served as a stage for rising musicians and performers as well as country household stars, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Kevin Fowler and Roger Creager.

Jeloudarzadeh told SWOON Katy that he wants to bring joy to everyone who steps inside.

“I was depressed and self-conscious about moving on after a divorce, but I [was able to] find myself again at Mo’s Place,” said Mary Ann Ramirez, a regular at Mo’s Place.

Mo’s Place is not only a bar but also a restaurant. He hosts karaoke nights; steak nights and guests can always hang out while local sports events are on the big screens.

“Eric Church bragged about our steak night in front of 70,000 people at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo,” said Jeloudarzadeh proudly.

Texas Country Music Hall of Fame

In 2017, Jeloudarzadeh was honored with the Pioneer Award from the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Country music icons Kenny Rogers – a Houston native who is known for his career spanning nearly sixty years – and Bobbie Nelson – Willie Nelson’s sister and a member of his band – were also inducted.

The Pioneer Award was presented to Jeloudarzadeh for his passion for helping grow Texas Country music artists for three decades — just look at his slogan, “See the Stars of Tomorrow.” He believes in young artists and aims to help them succeed on stage. Jeloudarzadeh said he is grateful for those who believed in him and hopes to continue helping the younger generations to come, just as those who once took a chance on him.

Mo’s Community 

After Hurricane Harvey hit the greater Houston area, including Katy, last fall, Jeloudarzadeh founded Mo’s Community Recovery Fund to help those affected by the floods directly.

“One of the things Mo has always tried to do is give back to the community, said Gary Willmore, Mo’s Community Recovery Fund committee member and President of WaveCrest Inc. “He’s been in business now 30 years, and in the bar business, especially this type of business, you don’t stay around 30 years unless you help the community. Over the last year, Mo has lead the community; we’ve done about $1.5 million in distribution.”

Mo’s Community Recovery Fund has helped the local fire and police departments by providing resources necessary for natural disasters. They have also helped with medical bills of Katy residents and are consistently accepting donations for the various toy drives they hold. Jeloudarzadeh doesn’t want this to be a one-time deal; he wants to continue going forward. They have already planned for this year, and they will do the same in the years to come.

“He puts his heart into it. He had to have surgery on his knee and everyone told him to take a couple of weeks off, and he was in two days later,” said Willmore. “You can’t ask for a better heart from a person.”

Mo’s Place will celebrate their 30th anniversary on Saturday, March 31, 2018, with favorites Chris Salinas and the Texas Jamm Band.

 Grab your friends and family, all over 21 years of age, of course, and celebrate all month long with fun-filled activities. Visit www.mosplacekaty.com for more information.