Long Weekend, 2044 E. T.C. Jester, opened March 4 in the Heights. The new restaurant and entertainment venue takes family-friendly to a whole new level with a state-of-the-art playground, a fish-filled stream, and an expansive indoor-outdoor space. How expansive, you might ask. Well, according to a press release, there’s 8,000 square feet of indoor dining space, which includes a separate cafe and main dining area, along with more than 20,000 square feet of outdoor space.
In addition to the kid-friendly play areas, there is a stage for live music, an outdoor bar and plenty of televisions for sports spectating. There are also options for private events.
It’s all wrapped up in a Western-themed ambiance inspired by the rugged ranch lifestyle of co-owner Andrew Alvis’s childhood. He and wife Paige Alvis have drawn upon their own family experiences as parents to three young boys. Envisioning a neighborhood spot for families and friends, the duo have created a place where kids can run, play and explore while adults enjoy wood-fired Western cuisine, craft cocktails and human connection.
The wood-fired grill for the restaurant was custom-built by Demant Grills and includes a rotisserie, large open hearth and vault smoker. The Forno Classico pizza oven turns out cherry-wood-fired pizza while the kitchen bustles with chefs making delicious dishes like the Ax Breaker Elk Burger, Wagyu Tomahawk Steak and Rotisserie Style heritage Chicken. Other Western cuisine includes Wild West Wings, From the Hearth Pozole and Prairie Side Deviled Eggs with rabbit,.
Its cocktail menu, or “From the Saloon”, sets guests up with refreshers like margaritas, classic whiskey drinks and, thanks to its coffee bar, espresso-forward sips. There’s also a wine list and plenty of cold beer, local and imported.
In addition to the main restaurant, there’s the daytime cafe serving breakfast and brunch plates such as migas, omelets and breakfast tacos, plus a full coffee program. It’s easy to make a day of it at Long Weekend, especially since the cafe has a hands-on arts and craft station for kids.
MilkShake Factory, 7040 Elyson Exchange Way, will celebrate its grand opening March 7 in Cypress. It’s the first Houston area location for the dessert and shake hotspot which has been a family-owned establishment since 1914, when it began as an old-fashioned soda fountain In Pittsburgh. Over the years, it has evolved into a chocolate and dessert shop as well as a frozen treat purveyor. It began expanding in 2024 and is now adding franchises to its portfolio.
The Cypress store is operated by franchisees Kent and Karen Schultz. The couple were drawn to its old-fashioned hospitality and quality products. Karen Schultz says, “With our location facing the central park in Elyson, we can already picture families grabbing a shake, sitting outside and enjoying time together.”
The handspun milkshakes come in flavors such as Chocolate Dipped Strawberry and Campfire S’mores, but there are also mix-in options and handcrafted sundaes. The shop also features small batch premium chocolates.
The grand opening runs from noon to 4 p.m. with buy-one-get-one free milkshakes, sundaes and molten cups. The first 100 customers will receive a signature t-shirt and the very first person in line wins a gift basket. A DJ will kick off the sweet festivities.
Atlas Restaurant Group has announced that it will take over management of The Sylvie, which Berg Hospitality opened in the summer of 2024. Atlas, which owns dining establishments across the United States, is growing its footprint in Houston where it operates several concepts including Azumi, Loch Bar and Marmo.
The Sylvie, known as “The Jewel of Texas Tower” will remain a French-European eatery, serving sandwiches, soups and pizzas, while getting a few tweaks from the expert team at Atlas. In addition to taking over the current Texas Tower restaurant, Atlas will be debuting Kannon, a Japanese fine dining concept that will occupy a whopping 7,000 square feet of space. Expected to open in late 2026, the menu at Kannon will be led by Atlas concept chef Timur Fazilov.
Kannon will also debut an outdoor patio with seating for 70 guests, bringing the total capacity to 200 diners.
Handies Douzo, 2000 Post Oak Boulevard, is slated to open in late 2026. Its parent company, Duckstache Hospitality, also operates Kokoro Sushi & Yakitori, Aiko, Doko and Himari here in Houston, plus three locations of Kokoro Handroll Bar in Dubai. Duckstache Hospitality was founded in 2019 by chefs Daniel Lee and Patrick Pham, along with business partner and CFO C.J. Short.
The Central Park Post Oak location will be the fourth for Handies Douzo. The 1, 658 square-foot space is being designed by gin design group. It will feature a 26-seat counter-style layout. The wrap-style chef counter will be a sculptural focal point in an intimate and moody space, with dark terrazzo and matte black finishes. Despite the sleek interior, there will still be a touch of whimsy from the brand’s signature rubber ducks lining the counter.
Tony’s Italian Delicatessen, 1700 City Place, is coming to North Houston late this summer. Located on the ground floor of City Place 1, the deli will offer its acclaimed “Carnegie” sandwiches, soups and salads.
Served on its signature Italian rolls, the subs come in cold versions like The Pacino, with mortadella, bacon and provolone, or the Pesci with roast beef and provolone. Hot sandwiches include Meatball, Chicken Parm and The Travolta, made with half egg salad and half tuna. There is a muffaletta, available hot or cold, and the Da Vinci, a veggie sub. Guests can also opt for gluten-free bread.
The desserts are classic Italian with treats like express-soaked tiramisu, limoncello cake and fresh cannoli.
Poco Loco Mercado, 2620 H Avenue, will have a grand opening celebration in Rosenberg March 13 beginning at 10 a.m. with a ribbon cutting. The first 200 customers will receive a $25 coupon.
The Rosenberg location is the first for the small Hispanic grocery chain to open in the Greater Houston area. The company began as a convenience store before developing into a supermarket concept. It now has dozens of stores across Central Texas and the Hill Country.
Along with fresh produce and international pantry items, the new market will feature a full-service carniceria with fresh and marinated meats, an in-store bakery, freshly-made corn tortillas and an authentic taqueria serving both breakfast and all-day lunch plates.
Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, 24255 Kuykendahl, is shooting to open May 5 in Tomball. The frozen treat shop serves Italian ice and soft ice cream, which can also be layered in its signature Jelati in a multitude of flavors. Ice cream options include chocolate, vanilla and strawberry while the multitude of Italian ice ranges from Pina Colada and Blue Razz to P’ Nutty and Cookies ‘n Cream.
The shop also has treats to take away such as cakes, cookie sandwiches and quarts of ice cream.