Burgerchan, 506 Yale, opened softly last week in the former spot that housed the recently-closed Be More Pacific. It’s the second location for the build-your-own burger concept that was founded by Diane and Willet Feng in 2016. Originally located in Greenway Plaza, the couple moved the business to the Galleria in 2022. They have since brought in co-owners Ryan Stewart and Roveen Abante. The Fengs will remain co-owners, too.
The focus on quality ingredients and a customizable experience has landed the burger eatery on a number of local lists of places to eat. The Heights expansion will still offer the same ordering process in which guests fill out the clipboard forms which list bun, patty, toppings and cheese options. The umami-rich smashburgers are cooked to order and fans love the different sauce options, including sambal mayo, scallion aioli, honey mustard and sesame soy. The restaurant allows the same customization for its beef hot dogs as well as chicken, falafel and fish sandwiches.
Side choices include French fries, sweet potato fries, tater tots and fried cheese curds, which can be customized and loaded.
Co-owner Abante says nothing about the food is changing. “ We’re bringing the full burgerchan experience to the Heights…just in a bigger space with a few new ways to enjoy it.”
Those new ways include a full bar and a fun happy hour to encourage a social neighborhood atmosphere in which locals, office workers and families can gather together for flavorful food and delicious drinks in a casual and lively space.
The Taco Stand, 1016 Gessner, opened May 21 in the Memorial area. The fast casual concept from chef Matthew Pak and business partner Shawn Bermudez grew out of their original concept, The Burger Joint. Both ventures have seen major expansions across the Greater Houston area each with four locations, located next to or near each other. The concepts also operate on campus at the University of Houston. Pak and Bermudez own Happy Go Lucky, a shaved ice concept, as well.
The menu runs from breakfast to late night eats. The breakfast menu is served from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends. The morning taco or burrito options include the usual scrambled eggs plus options like chorizo, barbacoa, potato, bacon, nopales or vegetarian chorizo. The breakfast menu also offers migas.
For lunch and dinner, guests can choose tacos, burritos, quesadillas and bowls with protein choices such as carne asada, carnitas, lengua, al pastor, chicken, fish and shrimp. There are vegan and vegetarian options as well. The menu items come on freshly made corn or flour tortillas.
The lively and laid-back ambiance is enhanced by refreshing beverages like agua frescas, canned cocktails and frozen drinks. There is indoor dining, a covered patio and a convenient drive-thru. The restaurant is open until midnight during the week and operates 24 hours on the weekend.
Paris Baguette, 1835 N. Shepherd, opened May 18 in Houston Heights. The globally-renowned bakery was founded in South Korea where it operates over 3,700 locations. The brand expanded to the U.S. in 2005 and opened its first American franchise in 2016. The Heights location makes number 6 for franchisee Jim Wang, founder of JW Concepts.
Influenced by Paris cafe culture, the bakery welcomes guests into a cheerful bistro-style space for lingering over a Lavazza coffee and almond croissant or meeting up with friends for baguette sandwiches and fresh mint lemonades.
The list of different croissants is lengthy, but there are also danishes, sticky milk buns, cream breads and pastels. The menu also features breakfast sandwiches and a variety of lunch wraps and sandwiches. Some of its seasonal offerings include milk and cereal mochi doughnuts and Nutella-filled croissants, plus savory options like Korean BBQ grilled cheese.
The bakery also has stunning cakes for purchase including red velvet, blueberry chiffon and chocolate mousse with salted caramel.
Hidden Omakase, 5353 W. Alabama, is temporarily closed due to an automobile barreling through its front entrance and into the dining space itself. The white SUV was seen on surveillance camera making slight contact with another vehicle before speeding across the parking lot and into the restaurant, according to khou.com, which interviewed chef/owner Marcos Juarez after the vehicle was cleared.
Fortunately, the accident occurred on Monday, when the restaurant is closed. No one was injured, including the stunned driver of the vehicle. Its social media posts point to the fact that its Michelin Guide plaque was undamaged. However, the restaurant itself received extensive damage. On Instagram, it said that it was currently going through the insurance process. We have reached out to the business for more information about plans to reopen.
The 18-seat tasting concept received Michelin Guide recommendations for 2024 and 2025. Juarez and his team are currently at work on Kori, a sushi restaurant set to open soon at 1431 N. Shepherd.
Andy’s Frozen Custard, 11450 Barker Cypress, opened earlier this month in Cypress. The nation’s largest frozen custard–only brand, it’s known for its hourly-made fresh frozen custard in vanilla and chocolate flavors that can then be transformed into Concretes, Jackhammers, Freezes, shakes, sundaes and more. The family-owned business has been in operation for 40 years and puts a strong emphasis on family and community with its secret family recipes for items like Grandma Elaine’s buttery shortcake and fudge brownies, which are baked in-store.
The vibe is 80s retro with colorful designs and walk-up windows. There’s a drive-thru for treats on the go, plus a spacious patio for family fun or adorable date nights. Andy’s has also launched its Soda Shoppe, a throwback to soda fountain days in which customers could enjoy all kinds of interesting concoctions of soda and frozen custard. According to the fine folks at Andy’s, there are more than 54,000 possible combinations.
For the Cypress grand opening, there will be a celebration May 28 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a lineup of vintage vehicles, $2 one-topping sundaes, giveaways, music and limited 40th anniversary merchandise. Owner and CEO Andy Kuntz, whose parents Carol and John Kuntz founded the brand in Osage Beach, Missouri, said in a press release, “Our team is ready to welcome neighbors and dessert lovers alike to enjoy our signature frozen custard, seasonal specials, and all the joy that comes with every scoop.”
The Cypress location is the second Houston area location for the brand, which operates a shop in Katy. There is a third one opening this summer at 348 W. Holcombe.
Galaxy Pizza, 6450 Louetta, is landing in Spring early this summer. The new pizza spot comes from Houston pie expert Anthony Calleo, known for his previous pizzerias, Pi Pizza and Gold Tooth Tony’s. Calleo quietly parted ways with Gold Toothy Tony’s after being diagnosed with autism last year, according to CultureMap Houston.
The restaurant has already hosted a friends and family event and social media photos show a space-themed interior with quirky and colorful murals from artist Brian Dibala @neonthrash. we reached out for more information and were told that details for the grand opening would be finalized soon.
