Yuma, 4219 Washington, is finally opening a brick and mortar spot this spring. The sandwich concept from chef Mike Hartley and wife Miriam Leek-Meira will take over the former home of Ninja Ramen, which closed at the end of December 2025.
The cuisine at Yuma draws from Hartley’s fine dining background and Leek-Meira’s Brazilian heritage. Hartley’s resume includes a role as executive sous chef at Brasserie 19 as well as being a former co-owner at MMH Provisions.
The couple created the concept around the flavors of both Brazil and Cuba and their pop-ups have generated a lot of buzz for their reimagining of the Cuban sandwich. Using high-quality ingredients and freshly-baked, from-scratch bread, the duo have taken a creative approach with sandwiches like the Classic Cubano, El Penny Cubano Banh Mi and the Sampa Gallo Chicken Sandwich. For cheesesteak lovers, Yuma has its own Brazilian version, made with thinly-sliced picanha, gruyere and a house chimichurri sauce. Vegetarians will appreciate the El Jardin, made with tostones, sofrito, mustard greens and black bean puree.
Leek-Meira’s influences on the menu show up in bites like pao de queijo (brazilian cheese bread), Brazilian beef empanadas and croquetas. There will also be rotating sandwich specials, plus collaborations with local eateries. A full bar will feature Brazilian and Cuban-inspired cocktails with the help of consultant Jamie Diaz of Nancy’s Hustle.
The couple have been doing pop-ups for nearly two years now at farmers markets like Urban Harvest and bars such as Catbirds and Axelrad. They’ve even done chef showcases at Jun’s daytime concept, Third Place. While the restaurant preparations are underway, the duo will continue to pop-up at Axelrad every Thursday in January and Catbird’s every Wednesday. There will also be a pop-up at Bobcat Teddy’s January 17 and January 19, as well as another appearance at Third Place, February 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Verde Garden, 2817 W. Dallas, will close January 17, after a final service. The Tex-Mex concept from The Kirby Group was the first tenant to open in the newly-established Harlow District. Its expansive, lush patio became a popular place for sipping margaritas or enjoying weekend brunch.
The closure may not be the end for Verde Garden. Co-owner Andy Aweida said, “While this location is closing, the brand isn’t going away. This decision allows us to focus on what’s next and we’re excited about the future of Verde.”
Exilio Latin Flair, 2817 W. Gray, will take over the space vacated by Verde Garden, according to a late-breaking announcement. It’s a new concept from Bari Hospitality Group, owned by Pedro Teyuca, Tommy Nally and Renato di Pirro. The industry veterans are also known for Bari Ristorante and the acquisition of Georgia James. A second Bari Ristorante is slated to open in The Woodlands this spring.
There’s no set date for the opening of the Latin restaurant which will feature a menu of delicious dishes inspired by Central America, the Caribbean, South America, Mexico and Spain. The use of indigenous ingredients, spices and techniques will reflect the vibrant flavors of the Latin table. Guests can expect crudos, ceviche, Argentinian grilled meats and seafood dishes from Spain.
Accompanying the Latin-inspired menu will be a wine list of New World varietals from both North and South America, as well as Spain.
Designer Carlos Castroparedes, who also designed Bari in River Oaks, will do a complete refresh of the interior and patio of the former Verde Garden space.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille, 1997 W. Gray, announced via Facebook that it is closing January 24 “due to a contractual dispute with our landlord.” The post also stated that the company will be offering each member of the restaurant’s staff and equivalent position at one of the other 7 Perry’s locations in the Greater Houston area.
It’s a surprise closure for the upscale steakhouse that anchors a prime spot on the West Gray strip. And the decision does not come lightly for the brand. According to its social media post, “We are deeply disappointed by the first closure of a Perry’s Steakhouse location since our company’s inception in 1979.”
When the two-story restaurant opened in River Oaks in February 2019, it was the first Perry’s to open within the 610 Loop. That was exciting news for inner loopers who have now taken to social media to express their dismay on having to drive to the ‘burbs for the massive Dinner-Cut Pork Chop and Chocolate Crunch Tower.
Arnaldos Richards Picos, 3601 Kirby, has been in flux for more than six months after first announcing in August 2025 that the longtime Houston Tex-Mex spot would close. It then amended the closing date to early January 2026. Now, the owners have given supporters a chance to rejoice by announcing that it will relocate rather than shutter. The new address and opening date will be announced later this spring. Until then, the restaurant will continue operations on Kirby through the transition period, expected to last 6 to 8 months.
It’s not the first move for Picos. The family-owned eatery originally opened in Bellaire as Picos Mex-Mex more than 40 years ago, then relocated with a new name, Arnaldo Richards Picos, to Kirby in 2014. In that time, it has built a loyal fan base for its wide variety of regional Mexican food and shaker margaritas.
Owner and chef Arnaldo Richards said in a press release, “Our community has given us an opportunity we never thought possible. Thanks to them, we have gone from closing the book to writing a new chapter.”
Salata, 919 Milam, reopened in the downtown Houston Tunnels January 12. It’s a big deal for the brand, since the company debuted the build-your-own salad concept in the Tunnels 20 years ago. It thrived as a quick and healthy lunch option for downtown office workers until the COVID 19 pandemic affected operations.
Reopening in its original location is especially meaningful for the company, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Berge Simonian, CEO and founder of Salata says, “Seeing this location reopen 20 years later and knowing how far the brand has come is incredibly rewarding. It’s a reminder that our roots are here in Houston and this city will always be a part of our story.”
The healthy-eating concept has spread to more than 100 locations across 5 states. With a menu of more than 50 toppings and house-made signature dressings, guests can customize their salads and wraps to their own preferences and dietary needs.
The Union Kitchen, 9920 Gaston, closed January 11 in Katy. It opened as the 7th location of the popular eatery from Gr8Plate Hospitality at the height of the COVID pandemic in June 2020, joining another of its concepts, Jax Grill, at the Stables at Falcon Landing. That location of Jax Grill has shuttered as well.
Owner Paul Miller expressed his gratitude to the Katy community and said, “We invite guests to visit our other restaurants and are working closely with our team members to offer opportunities at Gr8 Plate Hospitality locations.”
Founded in 2010, Gr8 Plate currently operates four TUK locations as well as Jax Grill, Passerella and Vine Memorial.
Copenhagen European Kitchen & Bakery, 981 S. Mason, will have its last service January 18, according to its social media. Owner Pernille Reck expressed her gratitude in a Facebook post to the restaurant’s customers saying that many had become “dear friends.” No particular reason was cited but Reck added, “As we have faced the challenges of 2025, it is time for us to welcome new beginnings.”
Slip Sliders, 1802 Binz, opened this past fall but is celebrating its grand opening January 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The first 50 guests will receive a free slider or chicken tender and the rest will be able to take advantage of the BOGO slider and tender promotion. During the grand opening weekend, guests will be able to vote on the next slider of the month, A portion of the weekend’s proceeds will be donated to the Children’s Museum of Houston.
Street to Kitchen, 3401 Harrisburg Boulevard, has launched a new weekday happy hour from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Some of the delicious bites include Thai Fried Oyster Mushrooms ($9), Chef G’s Chicken Wings ($8) and Laab Tuna Tartare ($14), the latter of which is served with cracked toasted sticky rice and chiles. Some of the drink specials include $5 Modelo, $12 frozen margaritas and $12 frozen Thai teas.
This article appears in Private: Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2026.