1. Drip'd Donuts opened March 1 at 5909 Washington Ave., Houston, and officials said a grand opening celebration is set for March 5. The venue, which offers exotic doughnuts, including vegan options, is hiring. The grand opening celebration will take place from noon-6 p.m. and will include a free doughnut for the first 30 people, giveaways and special guests. www.instagram.com/dripddonuts
2. A fall opening has been announced for Lick Honest Ice Cream at Autry Park, a mixed-use development underway at 911 Shepherd Drive, Houston. Lick specializes in housemade artisanal ice cream creations that are responsibly sourced and made with seasonal ingredients, according to a Feb. 23 press release. Products are made without high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors, or preservatives. The chain was founded in Austin by Anthony Sobotik and Chad Palmatier in 2011, and another location can be found in San Antonio. www.ilikelick.com
3. Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is slated to open sometime in March at 2101 Washington Ave., Houston. The local eatery will offer a variety of pizza and cocktails to its guests. One of the eatery’s many menu options to come—pizza made with a mozzarella and provolone blend with minced garlic, confit garlic, black garlic puree, feta and chili flakes—is featured on its Instagram page. www.instagram.com/betelgeusehou
4. Daddy’s Chicken Shack, a California-based eatery, is making its way to the Heights. Restaurant officials said they hope to open to diners in early spring at 1223 W. 11th St., Houston. Daddy’s Chicken Shack offers a variety of chicken sandwiches, bowls, fries and breakfast items. www.daddyschickenshack.com
5. A one-year anniversary celebration will take place March 4 for Thirteen Restaurant, a Midtown eatery owned by former Houston Rockets player James Harden. During its anniversary celebration, restaurant officials said they will donate $1 to the Houston ISD food program for every item sold between 4-11 p.m. Located at 1911 Bagby St., Houston, the fine dining venue features a large dining area with a suspended light fixture shaped to resemble the owner's signature as well as an outdoor patio, a hookah lounge, a private VIP room and a wine cellar with more than 2,000 bottles. The menu specializes in steak, seafood and comfort food. 281-888-2541. www.thirteenhou.com
6. Wild Concepts, a Bali-inspired CBD lounge, opened Feb. 21 in the Heights at 2121 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston. Founded by Adyson and Andrew Alvis, the cousins behind Grinders Coffee Bar and CBD Apothecary, Wild Concepts combines hemp-infused products with cocktails and coffee. Read more about the new business here.
7. The first Houston location of Loro, an Austin-based Asian smokehouse and bar, opened Feb. 23 at 1001 W 11th St., Houston. The menu features a variety of meat, sandwich and rice bowl dishes that blend southeast Asian cuisine with traditional Texas barbecue, and the venue also offers outdoor seating along 11th Street. Read more here.
