After 63 years in Meyerland, Old Hickory Inn Barbecue has gone dark at its longtime Braeswood dining room, but the pit is not going cold. The family-run spot has closed the 5427 S. Braeswood Blvd. location and is relocating roughly one mile away to a Hillcroft shopping center at 9601 Hillcroft St. Staff spent the weekend shuttering the old space, moving equipment and gearing up for renovations, with regulars told to expect the same slow-smoked brisket, ribs, sausage and homestyle sides that built the restaurant’s following.
New Meyerland site has familiar retail history
The family-owned restaurant has been serving slow-smoked barbecue in the area since 1963, according to Community Impact. Its new home at 9601 Hillcroft St. sits in a building many locals still recognize as the former Floors for Living and, before that, a Blockbuster Video. Old Hickory Inn says the original tenant was Mauldin’s Pharmacy, per the Houston Chronicle, which also highlights the restaurant’s Instagram teaser about the move from spring 2025.
Permits show renovation timeline
According to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the Hillcroft project is registered under TABS2025018669 with a start date of Nov. 30, 2025, and a projected completion date of May 30, 2026. The filings describe a privately funded $280,000 renovation and alteration of a 4,001-square-foot lease space, and list the project status as review complete. On paper, at least, contractors are aiming to have the buildout wrapped by the end of May.
Other branches stay open
The Old Hickory Inn name is not disappearing from Houston-area barbecue maps. The chain continues to operate locations in Mission Bend at 8000 Highway 6 South and in Missouri City at 3334 FM 1092 Road, per the restaurant’s Old Hickory Inn Barbecue website. That site lists dine-in, takeout and catering options along with the familiar smoked meats and homestyle sides, giving customers who relied on the Braeswood dining room a couple of alternatives while the Hillcroft spot comes together.
When to expect doors to open
An official opening date for the Hillcroft restaurant has not been announced. The Houston Chronicle notes the restaurant teased the move last year and reports that a firm opening date will wait on the completion of renovations.
