Henderson & Kane General Store, 315 Travis, is opening a large 5,000 square-foot market across from Market Square Park next year. Its original market and cafe in the Old Sixth ward is known for its smoked meats and local products. Owners John and Veronica Avila opened the market in 2018, taking over the space which at one time housed Garcia’s Meat Market. Its facade still that of an old-time general store, it provides a small grocery for the neighborhood, plus a restaurant and coffee bar.
Henderson & Kane delivers meat from pit master John Avila. Credit: Carlos Brandon
The new market is being brought to downtown Houston with a $500,000 economic inducement from the Downtown Redevelopment Authority. The market will also include a grocery and restaurant, in line with the residential development that has been making its way into the market square area. The financial commitment is earmarked for converting the property and creating the infrastructure required for the multi-use space.
Its proximity to the pedestrian area of Main will help strengthen street level activity, making it more accessible to nearby residents, office workers and visitors to Houston.
Well-sourced products are a mission at the market. Credit: Henderson & Kane
For co-owner Veronica Avila, the original idea of Henderson & Kane was a simple one, to bring back the spirit of the community general store. She said in a press release, “ The Downtown location at 315 Travis Street gives us the chance to do something the Market Square Historic District urgently needs; a walkable full-service grocery option that offers responsibly-sourced produce, dairy, pantry staples, prepared foods and quality everyday essentials. “
And let’s hope, barbecue.
Meanwhile, the original Henderson & Kane, 715 Henderson, will continue to operate as normal. It will also be open this Christmas Day from noon to 5 p.m. for walk-ins. There will be no pre-orders or reservations.
A bit of Paris is coming to Houston. Credit: Sebastien Dray
Cafe Feuilette, 4444 Westheimer, is opening in the summer of 2026, inside the Grey House apartments. The River Oaks location will be the first international expansion for the French cafe, which currently has four restaurants in France.
It comes from renowned pastry chef and restaurateur Jean-Francois Feuilette who has represented more than 100 bakeries across France. With a resume that includes Pierre Herme and the Four Seasons George V, Feuilette has built a reputation for his French bakeries since launching his first in Blois, in the Loir-et-Cher department. In a press release, Feuilette said he is thrilled to bring the concept to the U.S. and particularly Houston. “This city truly won me over,” he said. “Its energy, cultural richness and culinary scene made it the ideal place to introduce our French coffee shop concept abroad.”
Jean-Francois Feuillette has big plans and delicious pastries in store for the U.S. Credit: Sebastien Dray
The success of the brand relies heavily on Feuilette’s commitment to preparing everything in-house, including condiments like vinaigrette and mayonnaise. The menu features freshly-prepared salad and sandwiches, the latter of which uses house-made focaccia and brioche. The coffee selection ranges from espresso and flat white to signature beverages like its latte flan vanille. There’s decadent hot chocolate as well as cold drinks such as ube latte and fresh juices.
Being a bakery concept, it also offers oh-so-French pastries like croissants and chocolate eclairs, as well as madeleines filled with Nutella or caramel.
With the opening of the Houston cafe, Feuillette is beginning what he hopes is an expansion across the country and believes the potential is endless. “We are passionate about showcasing our French know-how to Americans and this is just the beginning.”
Meat Moot, 2540 Eldridge Parkway, has been in soft opening since November and is having a private grand opening next week. With its headquarters in Istanbul, Turkey, the smoked meat brand has expanded to 46 locations across the world, with several U.S. locations including one planned for Ohio this week. The Houston restaurant is the first for Texas.
The beef and lamb is Zabiha Halal and comes by the pound, at around $48. Beef cuts include brisket,shoulder, chuck and ribs, while lamb is available as shank, ribs, neck and shoulder. The tender, smoked meats are feast-style with a variety of condiments. The sauces include chimichurri, haydari (Turkish yogurt), bbq, mushroom, hot sauce and nacho cheese. Garnishes are brought on the side such as jalapenos, cherry tomatoes, spicy potatoes and roasted garlic. The meat is also served with a variety of salads and sides like rice and mashed potatoes.
In addition to the meat by the pound, there are lunch specials Monday through Thursday like Beef Chuck and Lamb Shank by the half-pound for $19.99. Turkish coffee and baklava are also on the menu.
Shipley Do-Nuts, 1901 S. Shepherd, is coming soon, but there’s no definitive date. A spokesperson told the Houston Press that it doesn’t get listed into the system until a week or so before opening. So, River Oaks will have to wait a little while for a hot doughnut.
Grand Lux Cafe, 5000 Westheimer, will shutter January 24, 2026, as first reported by chron.com. A concept from The Cheesecake Factory Inc., it was created by founder David Overton to resemble an elegant old Venetian restaurant, in a Las Vegas sort of way, and indeed, the first location debuted in Vegas in 1999. It expanded to cities like Chicago and Los Angeles, landing in the Galleria area of Houston in 2004.
The menu itself was massive, like the one at The Cheesecake Factory, with everything from spring rolls and burgers to filet mignon and miso-glazed salmon. Like its parent concept, it also featured extravagant, and caloric, desserts.
It’s a burger joint, if you consider chicken a burger. Credit: Bob Ruggiero
Crispy Burger, 21519 Tomball Parkway, is taking over the space that formerly housed Pho X Trang’s. We don’t know a whole lot yet about this concept, but we did discover it’s not based around crispy hamburgers. It’s a full-on chicken brand, selling crispy and grilled chicken sandwiches, nuggets, wings, tenders, and popcorn chicken. It also sells wraps and egg waffles, plus milk, fruit and bubble tea.
This article appears in Jan 1 – Dec 31, 2025.
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