HOUSTON – A unique store in the Galleria area has closed, and it will soon become the newest location of a burgeoning restaurant chain.

The Zone d'Erotica opened years ago, selling lingerie and other adult products along the West Loop near Westheimer Road.

The building has been emptied, but it won't stay that way for long.

The Harris County Clerk's Office said the property was sold but hasn't announced the name of the buyer.

Clay Dover, president of Velvet Taco, said the property will be the spot for the restaurant's fourth Houston location.

"We have been trying to get this property for over two years and believe it is a Houston landmark that deserves to be a Velvet Taco," Dover said in an email to KPRC2. "Currently, we are working on a building design and will begin construction in the fall."

Dover said he expects the location will be open early next year.

Velvet Taco has two Houston locations already open in Montrose and Rice Military. Construction is underway for the chain's third Houston location in Houston Heights.

The location was previously a smoke shop, and before that, it was a Luke's Hamburger Restaurant for years. A large fire nearly gutted the building in the early 2000s.