Em Café quietly opened Dec. 12 on Spencer Highway in Deer Park, serving Vietnamese phin coffee, matcha and boba. A grand-opening date hasn't been announced.

Home Slice Pizza became the first pizzeria inducted into the Austin American-Statesman’s Restaurant Hall of Fame, capping 20 years on South Congress. The honor recognizes neighborhood roots and steady growth.

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.

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.

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.

Michelin‑recommended Candente has opened a Bellaire outpost at 5101 Bellaire Blvd, bringing wood‑fired fajitas, brisket enchiladas and weekend brunch to the neighborhood.

Uptown Vietnamese counter‑serve In D Kitchen will close after service Tuesday, ending an eight‑year run.

Sire Spirits Social Club at Toyota Center pairs rotating chef menus with close court views for about $59 a person. Reservations are handled through the club’s OpenTable listing on game nights.

A Dec. 17 state filing shows construction on a new Wendy's at 6603 Will Clayton Parkway will start in February and is expected to wrap up in May.