Lisa and Nick first met at UC Berkeley in an Asian American student theatre group called Theatre Rice. Our passion for building community and bringing people together under a shared cause was a foundational part of their friendship from the beginning, and is now foundational to Agnes and Sherman.

As a new restaurant that has not yet operated for a full year, we're testing the limits of what we're able to give -- time, money, resources -- all while building a sustainable future for Agnes and Sherman. The uncomfortable reality as a small business is that the more focused we are, the more we're able to give.   

By sharing Agnes and Sherman's Giving Philosophy and Focus openly, we hope to partner with like-minded organizations. We don't have all the answers; what we do know is that we will be intentional in how we give and challenge ourselves to make a lasting impact. 
Lisa and Nick circa 2005

Our Giving Philosophy

1.
Give Locally

We embrace our role as a part of a diverse ecosystem. and when our community thrives, we do too.

2.
Less is More

We work with a few key organizations vs. many organizations so we can give more to drive systemic change.

3.
Empower our Team

Our team is plugged into many communities around town and we empower them to help direct where/how we give to have the most impact.

A.
Amplify Asian American Voices

As Asian American kids who grew up rarely seeing people like ourselves represented in arts, media, and politics, we work alongside other progressive Asian American voices to tackle important issues that impact our community and inspire people who look like us to get engaged.

Our Focus

B.
Uplift Marginalized Communities

We are building in the most diverse city in America. We direct our resources to foster and uplift marginalized and underserved communities because our formative experiences have taught us that diversity is a key ingredient of success.

C.
Strengthen the
Restaurant Industry

We strengthen our industry by fostering community with other operators, sharing business practices and knowledge, and getting involved with organizations that work to improve the quality of life for hospitality workers.

Upcoming Community Events

  • Agnes and Sherman x Food Mahjong Club

    Sunday, March 22nd

    Food Mahjong Club from NYC comes to H-Town!

    Entrance will include open play time (no experience needed!), amateur-friendly tournament, and food and drink specials!

    Sign up for our newsletter to get dibs on tickets.

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  • Jeff Chang's Water Mirror Echo Book Tour

    May TBD

    Named a Best Book of the Year by Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, and NPR, Water Mirror Echo: Bruce Lee and the Making of Asian America is a great book to pick up this Spring. We’re thrilled to host author Jeff Chang during his upcoming book tour stop in Houston.

    Details coming soon!

    Learn More

  • Agnes and Sherman at Bon Vivant 2026

    Monday, May 11th

    Join us at Bon Vivant to raise critical funds for Houston Third Ward’s Youth Development Center after-school program helping inspire, equip, and guide urban youth.

    Buy Tickets

Past Community Events

  • Agnes and Sherman x Khoi Barbecue

    Sunday, February 1st

    Saddle up for the Year of the Horse - a Lunar New Year kick off at Agnes and Sherman with Khoi Barbecue! Each ticket comes with three courses. Think smoked duck leg confit wontons, direct heat char siu spare ribs, and 8 treasure toasted rice panna cotta! Food is served communally, family-style.

    Beats by DJ Meganswave, lion dance by the Houston Lion Kings sponsored by the 19th Street Merchant's Association to grace our space, and a whole lot of community love to fill us up for 2026.

    A part of the celebration's proceeds will benefit Asian Texans for Justice.

    Learn More About ATJ

  • A Very Merry Drag Brunch

    Saturday, December 20th

    Back by popular demand -- we are hosting another fabulous DRAG BRUNCH on Saturday, December 20th from 10:30 am - 2 pm to celebrate and uplift the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer culture and community. You’ll be graced by the presence of Queen Persephone, Mari Jane, and Rene B*tchface, performing to the beats of DJ Chopped Liver. Performances will take place from 11 am - 1 pm, with the queens coming out from 1 pm - 2 pm to mingle, take pics, and blow kisses.

    A part of the proceeds will be donated to Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), the largest statewide, BIPOC trans-led, trans-focused policy, education, and advocacy organization in the state of Texas.

    Learn More About TENT