Terry Black’s Barbecue, 1329 N. Shepherd, is all set to make its Houston debut August 18. Even in a barbecue-dense city like Houston, there are many eager fans gearing up for the authentic Central Texas barbecue. While many barbecue aficionados are well aware of Black’s Barbecue in Lockhart, Terry Black’s was born out of a family split, with twin brothers Mike and Mark Black, and their sister Christina, opening their own craft barbecue business in Austin in 2014. Currently, the venture has expanded to Dallas, Waco and Fort Worth, plus a location in barbecue-crazy Lockhart.
Named for the siblings’ father Terry Black, the barbecue culture is showcased through traditions and warm hospitality. The smokers are prominently displayed, giving guests a feel for the craftsmanship that goes into a great plate of smoked meat. It is also the mission of the owners to keep the pits full, so that diners don’t have to hear the dreaded “we’re sold out.”
Co-founder of Black Family Hospitality, Mark Black is excited to be part of the Houston community. He said in a press release, “Our goal is to create more than a place to enjoy great barbecue. We want to become a neighborhood gathering place where people celebrate life’s big moments, enjoy everyday meals with family and friends and feel at home every time they walk through the door.”
When guests make their entrance, they will see a spacious indoor/outdoor dining room with tall ceilings, including an elevated loft that will serve as a semi-private event space, overlooking the restaurant. Six 1,000-gallon offset smokers will occupy the pit house, fueled by post oak wood. The communal process allows guests to feel as if they are at a backyard barbecue. For an even more immersive experience, there will be exclusive VIP pit tours led by an expert pitmaster.
The menu offers lunch and dinner options with brisket, pork ribs, smoked turkey and house-made sausages. The famous Dino beef ribs are also on the Houston menu. Family recipes guide the sides menu with scratch-made macaroni and cheese, potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans and cornbread muffins. And true to its Texas roots, there are desserts like peach cobbler, banana pudding and mini pecan pie.
Cafe Feuillette, 4444 Westheimer, has announced a projected opening date of November 2026. The highly-anticipated U.S. debut of the renowned French cafe and bakery brand will be the fifth for the company and the first outside of France. Founded by acclaimed pastry chef, Jean-Francois Feuillette, the cafe is designed for the urban lifestyle, with its contemporary coffeeshop menu featuring “pastry” drinks inspired by classic French desserts like Paris Brest and Vanilla Flan, along with espresso-based drinks and cold brew.
To go along with the coffee and tea offerings is a selection of pastries including chocolate eclairs and madeleines filled with Nutella or caramel. As with any respectable French cafe, there are freshly-baked croissants, pains au chocolat and brioches.
The cafe also offers a breakfast menu, plus an all day menu of scratch-made sandwiches, quiches and salads. The River Oaks location will open at 6 a.m. daily, serving guests in a cozy space with floral wallpaper, cozy benches and bistro chairs.
Spectators Bar & Grill, 25140 Kingsland Boulevard, opened this week in Katy. The family-friendly sports bar and restaurant is spacious at 6,500 square feet, with room for 275 guests, whether it be for game day groups, family gatherings or happy hour get-togethers.
The open layout offers patrons views of 45 televisions scattered throughout the space. There are also several private rooms for birthday parties, team celebrations and family events. The outdoor patio is expansive with its own 19-seat bar.
In addition to a beverage program that offers more than 60 brand cocktails, there is also an extensive food menu with items like Hot Honey Crispy Sandwich, Southwest Chicken Eggrolls, and a variety of wings. Its Spectators Famous Prime Beef Cheeseburger is made with a blend of brisket, chuck and short rib, while the Texas Twinkies are bacon-wrapped jalapenos filled with Philly cheesesteak. There are also entrees such as Pork Tomahawk and Prime Ribeye.
There is a dedicated Little Sluggers menu for kids under 12, plus weekday lunch deals from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. There are also daily specials on menu items and drinks. Weekend brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with dishes like French toast and the Hangover Burger.
The Katy spot is the fourth one, with three other locations in Sugar Land and Richmond. Owner Aneal Mohammud says that expanding to Katy was ideal because of the strong sense of community. “We want to create a neighborhood destination that offers all the excitement of a great sports bar while still feeling comfortable and welcoming for families. “
Willow’s Smokehouse & Tavern, 4109 McKinney, is expected to open very soon, according to its social media posts which have been teasing barbecue lovers for the past few weeks. The restaurant has already had a friends and family preview. We have reached out for an official opening date.
Rocambolesc, 1101 Uptown Park Boulevard, announced its closure in an Instagram post. The brand was born in Girona, Spain, founded by world-famous pastry chefs Jordi Roca and wife Alejandra Rivas. Roca, along with his brothers chef Joan Roca and sommelier Josep Roca, operate the famed Michelin-starred El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain. Jordi Roca brought the ice cream shop to Houston in April 2022 with the backing of Tricon Energy founder Ignacio Torras. Torras also operates Houston restaurant BCN Taste and Tradition, and its sister concept MAD, with chef Luis Roger.
The Houston store was the only Rocambolesc in the United States. Known for its creative flavors and toppings, it was also a Public Benefit Corporation. In partnership with The Center for Pursuit here in Houston, it offered employment opportunities and advocacy for persons with IDD and autism, including an internship program with The HUB, Genuine Catering, The Genuine Cup and Genuine Connect.
The post also stated:
“As Rocambolesc’s lease came to an end and our five-year partnership with the Roca brothers concluded, the timing couldn’t have been more revealing. We had just celebrated our most successful Hope & Opportunity dinners, and welcomed more than 1,000 athletes from 54 countries to the Genuine Cup, and will hosted (sic) our biggest Genuine Connect yet.”
Goodies Soul Kitchen, 1619 Fannin, is slated to open later this summer or early fall, according to a press release. It will be the first full-service restaurant for the food truck and catering business which serves elevated Southern cuisine like honey jerk lamb chops and hot honey fried chicken, with sides such as collard greens and mac and cheese.
The brick and mortar opening promises an expanded menu, along with signature favorites, plus craft cocktails. The interior has been curated by Bilal Rehman Studios and will offer a sophisticated and modern atmosphere, while retaining the warmth and welcome of Southern hospitality.
Black Walnut Kitchen & Bar, 9000 New Trails, reopened in The Woodlands after closing in late June for renovations. Previously known as Black Walnut Cafe, it was founded in The Woodlands in 2002 on Research Forest, moving to its current spot in 2014. There are six locations across the Greater Houston area. The Vintage Park location underwent remodeling and rebranding last year.
