In what may have been an unexpected lump of coal in Pearland's holiday stocking, Ronnie Killen's Tex-Mex eatery, Killen's TMX, served its final plato on Christmas Eve. The restaurant's closure was announced via a heartfelt Facebook post that prompted a wave of sentimental comments from the community. "We are sad to announce that tonight will be the last night Killen's TMX will be open at our current location," Killen lamented in the post. "We want to thank all of our customers for the support over the years!" reported the Houston Chronicle.
Though the doors at 9330 Broadway Street have shut, Killen aficionados needn't despair. The renowned restaurateur's brand has assured patrons that the hunt for a new location is on. This Tex-Mex venture was a part of a larger culinary empire that includes the acclaimed Killen's Barbecue, among other popular Houston-area establishments. For the time being, devotees of TMX's fusion of traditional Tex-Mex with Killen's signature smokehouse flair can find solace and brisket nachos at the original Killen's Barbecue located on 3613 Broadway Street, the Houston Chronicle notes.
Killen's TMX first burst onto the Pearland food scene back in 2018 and quickly garnered a mix of reviews. While praised for infusing classic Tex-Mex with his barbeque prowess, the restaurant caught some flak for pricing and service, in a culinary corridor where everyone has a favorite Tex-Mex joint. Despite these challenges, support for Killen's specialties remained strong, which Houston Chronicle suggests hints at the potential success of a rebirth at a new location.
A beacon of creative Tex-Mex cuisine, where smoked meats met enchiladas, Killen's TMX drew in foodies and turned them into regulars over its five-year tenure. Even though some customers felt the pinch on their wallets and experienced some ups and downs with service, the eatery carved out its niche in the local dining scene, according to the narratives shared in a Laredo Morning Times report.
