Ciao Bella Bakery Cafe is planning a March opening at The Boulevard in Webster, according to state permit filings and the tenant. The build-out is listed at 2,625 square feet.

Verde Garden, the Kirby Group’s Harlow District Tex‑Mex spot in Montrose, is closing after under three years. The closure leaves a large Montrose space available.

State records show a new McDonald's at 12312 Will Clayton Parkway is slated to start construction in May and finish in September.

JuiceLand opened its ninth Greater Houston location in Sugar Land Town Square on Dec. 5, adding smoothies, cold-pressed juices and plant-based meals to the plaza.

Mexico City natives Angel Bautista and Javier Becerra are opening Bar Xolo in Montrose — a coffee‑to‑cocktails concept with clarified drinks, Veracruz beans and Mexico City design. Soft opening Feb. 4.

Dallas‑born Sandoitchi is opening a Heights flagship at 1603 N. Durham Dr., bringing its crustless milk‑bread sandos, a coffee bar and a large patio to Houston.

Ford Fry’s Rocket Farm will close the Heights Superica on Feb. 15 and reopen the space as Star Rover on Feb. 26. The new spot will focus on affordable steaks, seafood and a 76‑ounce eating challenge.

A Montrose mainstay, The Phoenix will relocate to Richmond Avenue this summer after lease talks faltered; owners plan a phased reopening timed around the World Cup.

HeyTea quietly opened two Houston shops last year; the Coconut Mango Boom and brown-sugar milk tea have already become local favorites. Lines still form, especially on weekends.

After a cancer scare, Burger‑Chan co‑owners Diane and Willet Feng will move to Taipei this summer while Silver Linings Hospitality runs their Houston shop. The pair plan a second location before they leave.

Fresh Monkee opened Monday in Missouri City at Sienna Crossing, serving high-fiber, low-sugar protein shakes and Monkee Ballz. The shop joins the chain's Woodlands location.

Zoa Moroccan Kitchen is planning a Memorial City location at 9807 Katy Freeway after a planned $250,000 remodel.

Brooklyn Pizzeria will renovate a 2,500‑sq‑ft space at The Shoppes at Kingsgate in Kingwood; construction is set to begin in January with a March wrap expected.