The East Village's new wine bar, Stars, offers over 1,000 bottles and 20 by-the-glass options in a cozy, 450-square-foot space with a small, complementary snack menu.

Dirty Dawgs, a new Houston food truck, is turning heads with halal hot dogs served on toasted Hawaiian rolls and bold, crunchy toppings. The short menu includes six dog styles, fries and shakes.

Singas Famous Pizza opened its first Houston‑area location in Katy on Dec. 6, bringing New York‑style handmade pies to Westheimer Parkway.

MGM opened The Tiki Bar Monday at Excalibur — a 150-seat tropical lounge on the Strip with tiki cocktails, $8 happy hour drinks and late-night entertainment.

Family-run Local Table will open its sixth Houston-area location in Missouri City in January, occupying a 6,700-square-foot space with patio seating and brunch. The chain mixes Mediterranean bowls with Southern comfort food.

Family-run Las Pinatas Kitchen on Alma Street serves handmade tortillas, a $20 weekend brunch and a Friday–Sunday cenaduria of shareable Mexican plates.

After months of permits and upgrades, Papermill Creek Saloon cleared county inspections and its new owner aims to have beer flowing by New Year's Eve. Live music will follow and a grand reopening is planned for January or February.

Tanqueray's Bar in downtown Orlando is set to permanently close on New Year's Eve after over three decades, with lease non-renewal and city regulations cited as reasons.

Tacos A Go Go is expanding in Houston with a relocated Heights spot and a new Memorial/Tanglewood outpost. Both will include the chain's first full bar program.

Shark Tank‑backed Crispy Cones has filed permits to build a 1,356‑sq‑ft shop at Homestead Plaza in Conroe, with construction set for January–March 2026.

The Kebab Shop's Valley Ranch Town Center location in New Caney has been delayed while building permits are finalized; a new opening date is not yet set.

76 Steakroom at Outpost 36 brings ranch‑raised Wagyu, seafood and an on‑site meat market to Keller, with reservations for evening service.

A state permitting filing and local reporting indicate Nothing Bundt Cakes may open a second Prosper bakery near U.S. 380 and Gee Road, adding to the town’s growing retail corridor. Timelines point to a late‑winter debut if work wraps on schedule.