Food Network celebrity Eddie Jackson will operate the new Rosehill Beer Garden.[/caption]1. Rosehill Beer Garden
What we reported After announcing Rockwell Grill’s closing at the end of October, the restaurant's owners are planning a new venture in collaboration with renowned Food Network personality Eddie Jackson. Rosehill Beer Garden and food truck park will hold a soft opening at the end of January at 14540 Cypress Rosehill Road, Cypress.
The latest Children will be able to enjoy a shaded playground and 
games on-site, and diverse food trucks will offer something for everyone’s taste, the owners said. The restaurant will host food and craft beer pairings, special events and catered private events. Jackson, 2015’s “Food Network Star” winner, hosts the Food Network’s “Kids BBQ Championship” and has appeared on “Chopped” and “Clash of the Grandmas.” After retiring from the NFL, Jackson moved to Cypress in 2013 to share his passion for food.
What’s next The restaurant plans to celebrate a grand opening event during the Super Bowl, Feb. 5.
14540 Cypress Rosehill Road, Cypress
Joe Duong and Daniel Wagner will bring their grilled cheese concept to Tomball.[/caption]2. Melt
What we reported Joe Duong, owner of popular restaurant The Shack Burger Resort, partnered with Daniel Wagner to open Melt on July 6. The gourmet grilled cheese eatery serves a variety of sandwiches with fresh bread from Houston-based Slow Dough Bread Co. Menu items include the Ike Pike, made with blackberry jam, Swiss cheese and thick cut bacon. The Mo Chick Mo Waffle features a grilled cheese with 
fried chicken between two waffles.
The latest The co-owners are planning a Tomball location with the same menu, set to open this summer.
What’s next Melt’s second location is part of a larger plan to open several more restaurants in the Northwest Houston area, Duong said.
14030 Telge Road, Cypress
832-653-2150
www.facebook.com/meltgourmetgrilledcheese
3. Koala Kolache
What we reported Koala Kolache hosted its grand opening in June at 17415 FM 529, Houston. The kolache shop has a unique day-to-day menu and switches out interesting creations with flavors and fillings, including jalapeno popper, Philly cheesesteak, pulled pork and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. The shop is closed on Mondays and often sells out before closing time. Diners with a sweet tooth can order kolache creations that include ice cream and doughnuts.
The latest The staff continues to experiment with new flavors and creations. Throughout 2016, the shop teamed up with local schools and organizations to sponsor events and give back to the community. Social media engagement brings frequent giveaways as well.
What’s next In 2017, the team will introduce a new gourmet collection each quarter, and the most popular items will become permanent fixtures on the menu. Management hopes to refine its staff, become more organized and master this flagship location before opening new sites in the area.
17415 FM 529, Houston
281-859-0883
www.koalakolachebakeryhouston.com
4. Breakfast Brunch Cafe
What we reported Breakfast Brunch Cafe opened two locations in Cy-Fair in 2016. The first, at 12904 Fry Road, Ste. 600, Cypress, opened in March, serving breakfast dishes. The second restaurant, open at the Boardwalk at Towne Lake at 9955 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 110, Cypress, opened in October. This location offers breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.
The latest Since opening, the location at the Boardwalk has revamped its menu to focus on local ingredients. The staff has been trained on coffee-making techniques by an expert from Boomtown Coffee in central Houston.
What’s next In 2017, the restaurant will look into delivery services and expanding its dessert program. Executive Chef Ossume Price said Breakfast Brunch Cafe will be producing more pastries, baking its own bread and creating additional options for diners. In addition, owner Anthony Obodoechina said the cafe is looking at community partnerships to give back to area residents.
12904 Fry Road, Ste. 600, Cypress
281-213-4428
www.bbccypress.com
5. Frio Hill Country Grill
Frio Hill Country Grill serves up a high-end menu with country flare.[/caption]What we reported The owners of Lucky’s Pub in Cypress opened Frio Hill Country Grill at 16410 Mueschke Road, Cypress. Renovated from a ranch house originally built in 1907 on 5 acres, the site offers patio space, a courtyard, fire pits, a private wine room and private party rooms. The high-end menu touts locally sourced Texas cuisine and comfort food. Frio Hill Country Grill opened Jan. 7 for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.
What’s next The team plans to finish the barn on-site as a private event hall in the coming months. An outdoor stage and extended dining area with oak-shaded patios are also on the books. Long-term plans could include another restaurant or beer garden on the back portion of the property.
16410 Mueschke Road, Cypress
281-256-3746
www.friogrill.com
6. Jessie’s Country Cooking
What we reported After celebrating the 10-year anniversary of his Jones Road Southern homestyle restaurant in 2015, owner Jessie Rhea announced he would be expanding into the suite next door, which would double his space. At the time, lines to get into the restaurant would often go out the door, especially on the weekends.
The latest The new Jessie’s Country Cooking opened Jan. 9 with space for 90 diners, up from 45 at the previous location. The kitchen space was also doubled, but Rhea said his menu will remain largely the same. New dishes will rotate in if they prove to be popular.
What’s next Rhea said he is interested in extending his restaurant’s hours to cover Thursday and Friday evenings. As it stands, Jessie’s Country Cooking only serves breakfast and lunch. He said he also wants to get a beer and wine license.
11600 Jones Road, Houston
281-517-5103
7. Vero Italian Kitchen
Pasta, pizza, salads and desserts are all on the menu at Vero Italian Kitchen.[/caption]What we reported Owners of Vero Italian Kitchen opened a new location Jan. 13, 2016, at 13621 Skinner Road, Cypress. After launching in Conroe in 2010 and Spring in 2015, this marked the company’s third location. The eatery’s menu includes made-from-scratch specialty pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts with many ingredients imported from Italy.
The latest Cypress owner John Felicia has worked to spread Vero’s name, which means “true” or “real” in Italian, across town. The location near Hwy. 290 has helped increase exposure by word of mouth.
What’s next Felicia wants to slowly grow his customer base in Cypress and master the concept locally before expanding to a new location. Eventually, he wants to expand to Katy or The Woodlands, he said.
13621 Skinner Road, Cypress
832-220-6110
www.veroitaliankitchen.com
8. Galiana’s Bakery & Cafe
Galiana's Bakery will soon join the list of eateries David Herrera owns in Cypress.[/caption]What we reported David Herrera, the owner of Marvino’s Italian Kitchen, Dario’s Steakhouse and Seafood, and Alicia’s Mexican Grill, announced plans over the summer to open an artisanal bakery off Barker Cypress Road near Marvino’s. The bakery will be called Galiana’s Bakery and Cafe. Herrera said the bakery is named after his granddaughters.
The latest Herrera has revealed that his bakery will feature a large selection of international items, particularly from Italy and France, as well as sandwiches, salads, soups and breakfast items. Baked goods will include pastries, cupcakes and finger cookies. The venue will also have a coffee bar with international coffees.
What’s next Herrera said he hopes to open in time for Valentine’s Day but added that the bakery would open by the end of February at the latest.
24110 Hwy. 290, Ste. 500, Cypress
www.galianas.com
9. Murdoch’s Backyard Pub
What we reported Co-owners Gwen, Sarah and Richard Franke opened Murdoch’s Backyard Pub in March on Mueschke Road. The eatery serves a selection of burgers, sandwiches and snacks as well as housemade sausage.
The latest The chefs at Murdoch’s said they are always experimenting with their menu and trying to come up with unique flavor combinations. New experimental items include the cinnamon cranberry french toast, made with cranberry glazed baked ham, eggs and housemade sriracha.
What’s next The owners said they continue to try to be innovative with new menu items and hope to eventually install an on-site garden to grow more ingredients. They also hope to use their 3-acre backyard for different kinds of events, such as chef’s table dinners. Murdoch’s will also offer crawfish in the spring.
18541 Mueschke Road, Cypress
281-516-9753
www.murdochsbackyard.com
10. Jaxton’s Bistro + Bar
What we reported Jaxton’s Bistro + Bar opened for lunch and dinner May 28 at the Boardwalk at Towne Lake. The menu focuses on Italian and French cuisine and offers a patio view of the lakefront property.
The latest Owner Jason Howard said he has begun to update the menu under the concept “new year, new menu.” Popular menu items will 
remain, but new items will be introduced. New brunch cocktails and lunch menu were debuted in January.
What’s next Howard said he plans to continue to roll out updates through early spring, including new dinner, dessert and cocktail menus. He said he is also looking to create a bar atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in Cypress. He plans to extend the bar’s hours and also bring in reverse happy hour specials, bar snacks and a late-night breakfast menu.
9955 Barker Cypress Road, Ste. 104, Cypress
832-653-2297
www.jaxtonsbistro.com
