Purple Kow, a California-based boba tea shop, will open its first Houston location at 2531 University Blvd., this summer. The shop offers a variety of coffee and teas, iced milk drinks, milk teas and fruit smoothies with toppings such as caramel, chocolate pudding and jelly. www.purplekow.com
California-based sandwich shop Mendocino Farms will open its Rice Village location, 5510 Morningside Dr., Houston, on July 18, first of three Houston locations planned as part of their roll-out in Texas, its first venture outside of California. www.mendocinofarms.com
The salad-focused fast-casual chain Sweetgreen plans to open its Rice Village location, 2551 Amherst St., Houston, in July. According to a statement on its website, each location is customized to reflect the area with local art and other touches, and includes open kitchens and produce source information. www.sweetgreen.com
Torchy’s Tacos is expected to open at 5535 Weslayan St., Houston, in late summer. With over sixty locations in the Southwest already, the Austin-based taco shop has become known for its creatively named and assembled tacos, salads and margaritas. www.torchystacos.com
Plano-based wine bar Sixty Vines is slated to open its first Houston location at 2540 University Blvd. this year. The bar exclusively offers wine on tap as well as a monthly wine club. www.sixtyvines.com
Politan Row, a food hall with locations in New Orleans and Chicago, will open this fall at 2445 Times Blvd., Houston. The 7,350 sq. ft. hall will feature 12 vendors, including a coffee shop and Bar Politan, a craft-cocktail bar. www.politanrow.com
An H-E-B is under construction at Meyerland Plaza, 4700 Beechnut St., which is expected to open this year. 800-432-3113. www.heb.com
A remaking of 25,000 sq. feet of retail space in the Westin Houston Texas Medical Center hotel has several new tenants joining this year, including:
- Locally owned Poke in the Bowl plans to open in late July at 6611 Main St., Houston. The made-to-order poke bowls begin with a choice of poke bowl or burrito, sides, proteins, mix-ins, sauces and other toppings. 713-714-8608. www.pokeinthebowls.com
- National made-to-order pizza chain MOD will open at 6622 Fannin St., Houston, in late July. Founded in Seattle, the chain has several Houston-area locations. www.modpizza.com
- National chain Roti Modern Mediterranean will open its first Houston location at 6602 Fannin St. www.roti.com
- Longtime Houston po-boy shop Antone’s is building out a space at 6618 Fannin St. www.antones1962.com
- Smoothie bar Juiceland will open at 1703 Dryden Road. www.juiceland.com
- Bakery chain Susie Cakes is opening at 1705 Dryden Road. www.susiecakes.com
