The Houston food scene is experiencing a renaissance, with several local restaurant owners expanding their brands into the suburbs. In recent months, new locations have opened in The Woodlands, Katy, Conroe, and Huntsville, bringing a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences to the area.
Suburban Expansion Continues
• Kokoro, a popular sushi bar and hand roll concept from Duckstache Hospitality, has opened its first location outside the 610 Loop in The Woodlands’ Waterway District. • Katy Food Hall, developed by the same company, has also expanded to the suburbs with the addition of Main Chicken, Dripped Birria, and Bun Slut. • The owners of Crawfish Cafe have launched two new Pho locations in Conroe and Huntsville, bringing Vietnamese fast-casual cuisine to the area.
Duckstache Hospitality’s Suburban Expansion
Duckstache Hospitality, which owns several popular restaurants in Houston, including Kokoro and Dripped Birria, has been expanding its brand into the suburbs. In March, Kokoro Handroll Bar opened in The Woodlands, offering a menu of nigiri, sashimi, crudos, and hand rolls, as well as hot foods and a full bar. The Woodlands location is a significant expansion for the company, which first opened Kokoro in 2019 inside Bravery Chef Hall in Houston. The Dubai location followed soon after, and this new opening marks the first time the brand has ventured outside the 610 Loop. Kokoro Handroll Bar in The Woodlands is a unique dining experience, with a focus on traditional Japanese cuisine and a modern twist. The menu features a range of options, including classic hand rolls, nigiri, and sashimi, as well as hot foods and specialty cocktails.
Katy Food Hall Brings New Flavors to the Area
Katy Food Hall, which opened in February, is another example of the suburban expansion of popular Houston-based concepts. The food hall features a range of brands, including Nashville hot chicken spot Main Chicken, Dripped Birria, and smashburger restaurant Bun Slut. All of these brands started in food trucks in Houston before developing storefront locations. The food hall is a great place to try new flavors and experience the diversity of Houston’s culinary scene. Main Chicken is a popular spot for Nashville hot chicken, while Dripped Birria offers a unique take on the traditional Mexican dish. Bun Slut, on the other hand, serves up classic smashburgers.
Pho Prime Brings Vietnamese Cuisine to Conroe and Huntsville
The owners of Crawfish Cafe, Kiet and Julie Duong, have expanded their brand with the launch of two new Pho locations in Conroe and Huntsville. Pho Prime is a Vietnamese fast-casual restaurant that serves a range of traditional dishes, including pho, banh mi, and spring rolls. The Conroe location is a home base for several military and veteran-service organizations, and donations from community members have turned it into an unofficial military history museum. The menu features a range of American-style comfort food and breakfast options, as well as Vietnamese dishes. The Huntsville location is a scaled-down version of the popular Conroe restaurant and serves a more limited menu. However, it still offers a great selection of Vietnamese dishes and a cozy atmosphere.
Lil’ Koffeteria Brings Cambodian Cuisine to EaDo
Lil’ Koffeteria, a scaled-down version of the popular 5-year-old Cambodian-inspired cafe and bakery in EaDo, has recently opened in the suburbs. The New York Times named it one of the best bakeries in the U.S. and founder Vanarin Kuch is a two-time James Beard Award nominee. Lil’ Koffeteria offers a range of traditional Cambodian dishes, including soups, salads, and desserts. The menu features a range of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices.
A Convergence of Flavors
The recent expansion of popular Houston-based concepts into the suburbs marks a convergence of flavors and cuisines in the area. From sushi and pho to Cambodian cuisine and Vietnamese fast-casual, the options are endless. As the Houston food scene continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see local restaurant owners expanding their brands into new markets. The recent suburban openings are a testament to the diversity and vibrancy of the city’s culinary scene. Conclusion
The recent expansion of popular Houston-based concepts into the suburbs is a sign of the city’s continued growth and vibrancy. With new locations opening in The Woodlands, Katy, Conroe, and Huntsville, there’s never been a better time to explore the diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences available in the area. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a new place to try, there’s something for everyone in the suburbs.
