Lankford’s opens in The Woodlands this weekend with a self‑serve beer wall, milkshake bar and the Grim and Firehouse burgers that made the Midtown spot famous.

Permit filings show Popeyes plans a new outlet at 21467 FM 1314 in Porter, with construction expected to begin in May 2026 and finish by early 2027.

Houston's BB's Tex‑Orleans is opening an 8,200-square-foot restaurant in Beaumont's Old Town with a big patio and family-friendly features.

A state‑by‑state analysis from Escoffier finds Texas will add roughly 52,000 culinary jobs by 2032, outpacing other states as restaurants warn hiring remains tight.

Porter-based Cinco Vidas Coffee Company plans a second mobile trailer in New Caney early this year, expanding its flavored-latte lineup beyond Porter.

HTeaO opened on Loop 336 in Conroe on Jan. 10, offering 20+ iced‑tea flavors, coffee and a drive‑thru from local franchise owners.

Dutch Bros has opened a drive-thru at 2301 University Blvd near Rice Village, converting a former Salad and Go after a $200K renovation. The shop began serving customers Oct. 26, 2025.

Aki Sushi is opening at 509 University Drive in College Station this spring, bringing sushi, ramen and late-night options to Northgate near Texas A&M.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has filed permits for a new 5,864‑sq‑ft restaurant at Texas Heritage Marketplace in West Katy, with construction slated to start in April and finish by Christmas 2026.

The Juicy Crab has listed a Pasadena address at 4002 Spencer Highway and a comp report shows a lease starting in March, with a likely spring opening. The chain’s Cajun boil combos are expected at the new site.

A compact Bagel Co. Express from the Galveston Bagel Company is headed to 61st Street; permits show construction Feb 20–Apr 30, 2026. Owners say it’s the first of several in Greater Houston.

Houston-born Gyro Republic announced nine new Texas restaurants for 2026, with a heavy push into Austin and franchise opportunities on the table.

A robot-powered Asian-fusion spot, iWok, opens Jan. 30 near the Texas Medical Center. The founders plan multiple Houston locations and robot-made, made-to-order bowls.