Family-owned Island Grill has claimed the River Oaks storefront at 2810 Westheimer and plans to open its sixth Houston location in spring 2027. The move would replace a long-running neighborhood tenant.

A Houston-born Chino-Boricua kitchen has opened in Grand Prairie, folding mofongo and tostones into orange chicken, ribs and other comforting, plate-style dishes. Locals report lines and steady takeout traffic.

Dallas‑born Atlas Cocktail Bar opened a two‑story Heights location at 729 W. 19th St., bringing travel‑themed cocktails and a hidden Library Bar to the neighborhood.

Eastwood Station opens this Wednesday in a converted train car, serving Roman-style pizza, house pastas and sandwiches for takeout and limited outdoor seating.

Denny's will take over the former Chase at 6671 W. Bellfort Ave.; a state filing pegs the conversion at about $430,000 with work starting December 2026.

A Magnolia bakery that started at home now has a Tamina Road storefront offering scratch pastries, Vietnamese coffee, custom cakes and cake‑decorating classes.

A Saturday blaze gutted Frank's Grill on Mangum Road, leaving the longtime Houston breakfast spot devastated and patrons mourning.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers opened July 18 at 9850 Fry Rd in Cypress, adding jobs and free‑chicken giveaways as the chain ramps up expansion across Greater Houston.

Cabo Bob's filed permits to take over the former Taco Cabana at 3905 Kirby Dr., planning a $500,000 renovation and a late-year opening. The move will be the chain's first Inner‑Loop Houston location.

A Hong Kong restaurateur opened Fortune Eight on Washington Ave, serving wok‑fired bowls and combos at roughly $13 a meal.

Howdy Homemade Ice Cream's Katy location will mark five years next Wednesday with a farewell celebration as the shop prepares to close at month’s end.

Andy's Frozen Custard is converting a former Holcombe bank into its first Inner Loop shop near Rice Village. The buildout appears complete and an opening date is still TBA.

Masala Pizza & Bitezz opened in Katy last Saturday, offering tikka masala and butter makhani pizzas, loaded masala fries and halal options. The spot is listed on delivery apps.