Kirkwood, 11720 Katy Freeway, is under construction and is slated to open in Fall 2025. It comes from Mac Haik Restaurant Group, owners of Slapfish, Original ChopShop and Due Cocina. It’s also the largest franchisee of First Watch Restaurants. Many Houstonians will recognize Mac Haik as the name behind the successful auto dealerships across the city, though the entrepreneur now has much of his holdings in the real estate business.
Located in Houston’s Energy Corridor, on the Energy Plaza Houston campus, the restaurant’s name, Kirkwood, pays homage to the reinvestment, community and legacy of the area, which was once farmland and dirt roads. Mac Haik was on the forefront of transforming the Interstate-10 environs into the energy corridor artery that it is today. In a press release Haik’s grandson and a vice president for Mac Haik enterprises said, “Kirkwood is about creating a sense of place-one that’s rooted in warmth, character and a strong connection to the community.”
And Haik’s imprint will be seen at the new concept, with his passion for classic cars, sports and family influencing the design and decor, from a wraparound bar with automotive-inspired accents to a private 16-seat dining room named for his mother Francis. The Sunny Room will be a brightly-lit lounge named after his wife of 52 years.
The design is being executed by Gin Braverman of gin design group, one of Houston’s premiere hospitality design firms. Rich leathers and dark woods will give a warmth and clubby feel to the space while a copper-clad open kitchen anchors the 154-seat dining room. A sunroom, with a double-sided fireplace has additional seating for 72 guests.
Leading the culinary program at Kirkwood is executive chef Stephen Chiang, whose local resume includes Houston’s Relish and the Petroleum Club. Chiang also spent seven years in New York City working with chefs such as Michelin-starred Andrew Carmellini, David Chang of Momofoku and Melissa Rodriguez, executive chef and partner at a number of NYC restaurants.
The menu revolves around elevated American classics that appeal to Houstonian appetites like seafood platters, steaks, fresh salads and tempting desserts. There will be a thoughtfully-curated wine list, an array of beers and handcrafted cocktails.
Solarium, 820 Holman, opened May 1 in the former home of Holman Draft Hall. The new pickleball and padel concept comes from Rex Hospitality Group and The Kirby Group. Rex Hospitality Group was founded in 2023 by entrepreneur Juan Carlos de Aldecoa, lawyer Jimmy Doan and Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. and now operates three locations of MAVEN Coffee + Cocktails plus MAVEN at Sawyer Yards. The Kirby Group has been a booming Houston hospitality group since it was founded in 2004 by Jeff Barati and Andy Aweida. It owns and operates multiple concepts including Heights Bier Garten, Emma Jane, Pitch 25 Beer Park and several more Houston hotspots.
In addition to its racket sports offerings, Solarium is a bar and restaurant as well, adding to the social aspect of its hybrid landscape. The central indoor/outdoor bar is enclosed in glass making it a bright and welcoming oasis in the heart of Houston. The main, glass-walled bar has communal tables for large parties as well as high-top tables for smaller groups. Rich textures of warm wood and velvet upholstery are accented by sophisticated hues of Rolex green, taupe and black and contrast with the structure’s industrial framework.
The menu is one of elevated clubhouse cuisine with an all day menu of bar bites such as Bang Bang Shrimp, Buffalo Wings, the Solarium Burger, Baja Fish Tacos and its version of a French dip, the Drop Shot Dip. It offers a weekend brunch of sweet and savory plates like Belgian waffles, shrimp and grits, a breakfast burrito and shakshuka. Its Back Court desserts menu includes a banana split, caramelized apples with lemon sabayon and a build-your-own sundae option.
Its cocktail menu includes drinks such as Cherry Pop Spritz, Purple Drank and Pandan Fusion. There are plenty of classic cocktails as well plus a wine list and a selection of craft beers.
There are four pickleball courts, two padel courts and five glass-fronted bays made from repurposed shipping containers that offer a private space for viewing in air-conditioned comfort. The bays are available for private events with dedicated food and beverage service. The pro shop is the designated check-in for court reservations which can be made online or in person. Those who prefer the role of spectator can spectate from the overhead walkway.
Pinballz Pizzeria, 2240 Navigation Boulevard, opened softly this month in the former home of Southside Flying Pizza. It will celebrate its grand opening May 10 through May 11. Guests can enjoy a 10-inch pie for a sweet $5 or try a side of one of its pastas for free with the purchase of a large pizza during the grand opening.
The retro-inspired pizza joint comes from a trio of entrepreneurs, each with their own personal strength. Chef John Avila is known for his Henderson & Kane General Store, operated with his wife, the equally talented Veronica Avila. Jon Shaw is a seasoned businessman with experience in hospitality and community development. Partner number three is Cesar Aguila whose resume includes 25 years in retail management for a Fortune 500 company. Business aside, these guys are hoping to create a gathering place that represents the spirit and playfulness of the surrounding neighborhood.
Located in Houston’s historic Second Ward, the pizzeria offers handcrafted pies made with locally-sourced ingredients plus bone-in wings, subs and a couple of different pastas. Desserts include cannoli and Italian tres leches.
The owners aren’t afraid to have a Hawaiian pizza on the menu despite the debate among pizza purists. The menu also offers “trompo”, chorizo and cheese-stuffed crust pies. Diners can opt to build their own pizza which begins with a four-cheese base, homemade tomato sauce and house-made dough.
The family-friendly, community-forward pizza spot plans to have late night pies and full bar service, soon.
Suya Outpost, 9502 N. Sam Houston Parkway E,. opened April 28 in Humble. Serving Nigerian cuisine with a build-your-own model, it offers customizable bowls, salads and burritos along with sandwiches and empanadas, most infused with the flavors of suya spice. Side dishes include jollof rice, plantains and stewed black beans.
7 Brew, 28435 State Highway 249, opens May 19 in the Tomball area. Owned and operated by Texas Coffee Partners, the stand will join the franchise group’s other locations across Houston, Austin and San Antonio. There will be a ribbon cutting May 16 at noon in which the group will present a $2,500 donation to a local non-profit as well as a $2,500 college scholarship check to Danicha Bach, an employee from its Spring, Texas location.
There will be special ‘Friends and Family’ hours prior to opening. From May 26 through May 30, the new location will host ‘Community Hours’ in which customers will receive a free small drink. Check its social media for details. It will also host a Swag Day event May 31 from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. with an offer of a free 7 Brew t-shirt with the purchase of a large drink.
The drive-through beverage stand offers over 20,000 possible drink combinations with its lattes, cold brews, energy drinks, teas, lemonades and more.
JuiceLand, 9430 Fry, opened May 4 in Cypress. Founded in 2011 by Matt Shook, in Austin, the shop sells fresh-pressed juices, superfood smoothies, wellness “shots” and plant-based meals. It now has 49 locations across the Lone Star State.
MAVEN Coffee Company has launched its signature (and patented) cold brew concentrate at nine Central Market locations across Texas including the store at 3815 Westheimer in Houston. With no preservatives or artificial flavors, it uses triple-filtered osmosis water and 100 percent high-grade Arabica beans.
The 32-ounce concentrate ($12.49) is distributed by TerraMar imports and is available in the refrigerated cold brew/drink mixer section.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.
