A new Longhorn Steakhouse and an Academy Sports & Outdoors are coming to the Calallen area as part of a larger commercial development.<\/p>\n
The new construction project will be located at 3601 IH 69 Access Road, at the northwest corner of Interstate Highway 69 and County Road 52.<\/p>\n
The new Longhorn Steakhouse will be a 5,780-square-foot restaurant with an estimated construction cost of $3,074,114, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.<\/p>\n
Construction of the new restaurant is expected to begin in May, with a grand opening in early 2027.<\/p>\n
As KRIS 6 previously reported in November 2025<\/a>, the Academy Sports & Outdoors portion of the development will feature a nearly 60,000-square-foot store. The $7 million construction project is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and finish by October 2026.<\/p>\n The businesses will be part of a retail development on a 25.34-acre site owned by 2AVH Calallen LP.<\/p>\n The Corpus Christi Planning Commission approved a preliminary plat in October 2025 that divides the property into eight commercial lots and one non-buildable lot as part of Nemec Towne Center Phase 2.<\/p>\n In February 2025, the City Council unanimously rezoned the land from “FR” Farm Rural District to “CG-2” General Commercial District to allow retail and restaurant development.<\/p>\n City planners supported the change, noting it aligned with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and addressed concerns about building homes near the freeway.<\/p>\n “Locating residential homes adjacent to a freeway is not a sound planning decision due to the potential negative impacts on the quality of life and environmental health of future residents,” city staff wrote in their recommendation.<\/p>\n The property has remained vacant since Corpus Christi annexed it in 1995. It sits in City Council District 1 within the area covered by the Northwest Area Development Plan from 2001.<\/p>\n No one opposed the rezoning during the public process, according to city documents.<\/p>\n City Councilman Everett Roy, who represents District 1, said the project marks a major win for the Northwest area.<\/p>\n “This is really important because everybody talks about the Southside, London and some of the other areas, but this is going to be a great win for the Northwest,” Roy said.<\/p>\n Roy added that the new project will attract shoppers from neighboring communities.<\/p>\n “What I like about it is that it\u2019s gonna draw from the other surrounding areas \u2014 Robstown, Sandia, Mathis,” Roy said.<\/p>\n Residents also welcomed the addition. Janine, who lives in nearby Sinton, said the new store will make shopping for sports and outdoor gear much more convenient.<\/p>\n “There\u2019s one out in Portland and there is one in Corpus Christi, so to me having them around the area is gonna be great,” Janine said.<\/p>\n “There\u2019s gonna be a lot of sports here in this area and I think it would be a good addition,” Janine said.<\/p>\n KRIS 6 News has reached out to Academy Sports & Outdoors for comment and is awaiting a response. Check back for updates on this developing story.<\/p>\n For the latest local news updates, click here<\/a>, or download the KRIS 6 News App.<\/a><\/p>\n