RareTea opened Nov. 21 in Kingwood, bringing Uji matcha, milk teas, brown sugar boba and Vietnamese coffee to the Northpark retail corridor.

Grand Lux Cafe will close its Galleria dining room Jan. 24, 2026 after 21 years. The Cheesecake Factory says it will assist staff as Eataly plans a major nearby buildout.

A longtime Clear Lake hangout has returned with a new name and look — Sam's Seabrook reopened after renovations with 60 TVs, waterfront seating and a Dec. 13 grand opening.

Un Caffè is expanding to downtown Houston’s Union Transfer building with construction due in February and a March 2026 target. Founder SoonKack Kook is bringing the Midtown roastery’s espresso menu to Vine Street.

Galiana’s Casa Del Tequila is opening a second location at Towne Lake Market in Cypress, with construction slated for early 2026 and an April opening target.

AJ Meat and Eat is heading to Rosenberg with a halal meat counter and homemade Indian‑Pakistani plates, aiming for a spring 2026 opening. The owner says the shop was chosen to serve the local Muslim community.

Italiano's quietly opened its fifth Houston‑area location in New Caney on Dec. 1, adding pizzas, pastas and catering to the Centre at Gene Campbell retail center.

A father-and-daughter team will open Nonno's Kitchen in Katy in January 2026, serving handmade pastas, specialty pizzas and classic Italian desserts.

Tifa Chocolate & Gelato opened in Webster this October, offering 24 house-made gelato flavors and artisan chocolates at The Shops at Baybrook.

Owner Michael D. Moore announced on Facebook that the Stuffed Baked Potato Factory closed all Houston locations on Dec. 3 after a 10-year run. He cited economic pressures and shifts in his customer base.

Morelia Gourmet Paletas has opened a Woodforest location in Montgomery and will hand out free paletas during a two-day grand opening this weekend.

A new Fuzzy’s Tacos & Margs is under construction at 7250 Hwy 6 N, with filings showing a quick remodel and an early‑2026 opening. The site is part of NGE’s wider Houston expansion.

Austin’s Home Slice is heading to the Heights with a reported $1.5M buildout, taking on a block locals say is "cursed" after multiple closures. The chain already operates in Midtown.