Hacienda Don José quietly opened a Fulshear outpost at 4020 FM 1463 on March 26, replacing Neca’s and adding Tex‑Mex and weekend breakfast to the corridor.

After a Type II diabetes diagnosis, Kara Heath opened Coastal Teas in Old League City on Feb. 2, serving high‑caffeine, lower‑sugar loaded teas and wellness boosters. The shop plans to expand its menu this summer.

Chili's opened March 18 in IAH's Terminal E, adding sit‑down and to‑go options past TSA as the airport rolls out Terminal E upgrades.

Toga, from the Neo and Kira team, brings charcoal-grilled yakitori and a highball-focused bar to Arrive River Oaks on April 21. Expect small plates and a 12-cut chicken program.

Mimi Garden opened a Spring outpost at 202 Sawdust Road, bringing its signature dumplings to the neighborhood and adding Peking duck and rotating specials.

Iza Robata has opened a Humble location, bringing ramen, poke and boba to The Groves. The chain celebrated a Jan. 16 opening and early reviews praise the ramen.

Dum N Grill soft-opened in Pearland last week with a halal-based menu of biryanis, kebabs and Irani chai. The new spot adds more South Asian choices to the suburb.

McCormick & Schmick's quietly closed its Town & Country Village location after 16 years; the company says it sold the lease and is relocating staff to nearby sister restaurants.

Houston earned multiple nods on the James Beard Awards finalist list announced March 31, from Hugo Ortega’s group to promising newcomers.

Be More Pacific, a Heights staple known for its spicy coconut-curry fried rice and karaoke rooms, closed after final service on March 29. Owners posted a farewell calling it "14 unforgettable years."

Mean Grille, a Richmond Avenue Mediterranean spot, closed Monday after about two years. Owner Onur Palamut posted a social-media farewell and cited weak small‑business support.

Cedar Park‑born Smokey Mo’s says it will open about 30–40 restaurants across Greater Houston in a multi‑year push. The chain currently has a single Houston‑area outlet in Conroe.

City inspectors closed Northside bar Rabbit's Got The Gun after finding it lacked food permits; owners say they’ll move events and keep the free-crawfish tradition alive.