Here are nine restaurants to keep an eye out for in 2026, as previously reported by Community Impact. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Recess

The new business will feature supervised kids' play areas on the first floor and a full-service bistro and bar on the second floor, according to the establishment’s website.

Recess will have two primary play areas: one supervised by staff and one by parents. Children who are potty-trained will be eligible to play in the staff-supervised area, while younger toddlers and infants will play under parental supervision.

Escalante's

In an Oct. 13 news release, officials with Radom Capital announced that Escalante's will be one of the first two restaurant tenants to be located inside the historic Swift Building development.

The restaurant serves authentic Tex-Mex dishes, including brisket queso, fajitas, enchiladas, street tacos and quesadillas, as well as weekend brunch.

Merit Coffee

The coffee shop is the second restaurant announced by Radom Capital to be in the Swift Building development, a 4.47-acre space located on Waverly Street.

Merit Coffee operates 12 cafes in San Antonio, Austin and Dallas, with the Heights becoming the first Houston location. The coffee purveyor sells imported, freshly roasted coffee sourced from farmers in Africa and South America.

Café Feuillette

The cafe will bring a taste of French art de vivre to Houston, featuring high-quality sweet and savory homemade dishes, signature gourmet drinks and a cozy ambiance, according to a Dec. 15 news release.

The menu will offer breakfast, lunch and afternoon treats, as well as pastry drinks, which are inspired by classic French desserts.

The restaurant will be Home Slice's fifth location in Texas. (Courtesy Home Slice)
The restaurant will be Home Slice's fifth location in Texas. (Courtesy Home Slice)



Home Slice Pizza

The pizzeria is opening its second location in Houston that will feature a full-service dining room, expanded menu and cocktail program, according to a Dec. 9 news release from the company.

Originally founded in Austin by Jen and Joseph Strickland and Terri Hannifin in 2005, the local mom-and-pop pizzeria is known for its authentic New York-style slices as well as its pasta, sandwiches and fresh desserts.

What’s Next

Details from the following projects were pulled from permits filed with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. This list is not comprehensive, and details are subject to change.

Paris Baguette

The restaurant is planning to open another location in Houston, near the intersection of 19th Street and Shepherd Drive.

Paris Baguette offers sweet and savory treats, along with craft beverages. The franchise serves staple coffees and Frappuccinos as well as more bold flavors such as the Iced Cinnamon Sugar Churro Latte.

Pure Green

A new location of Pure Green is slated to open in the River Oaks area in early 2026.

Pure Green creates smoothies and juices using nutrient-rich superfoods, such as fruits and vegetables. The menu includes a variety of smoothie choices, acai and pitaya bowls, steel-cut oatmeal bowls, superfood toasts, cold-pressed juices and juice shots.

Killer Burger

The fast-casual burger restaurant is bringing its special menu to Houston, which features the Peanut Butter Pickle Bacon Burger, a unique combination that includes a grilled patty, bacon, peanut butter sauce, mayo, grilled onions and pickles.

The menu also includes classic burgers, chicken sandwiches and made-to-order fries and onion rings. Local beer on tap is also available.

Sandoitchi

A Japanese sandwich company based in Dallas is opening its first physical store in Houston.

Sandoitchi focuses on Japanese sandwiches, or sandos, known for using a soft, Japanese milk bread, or shokupan, and can be eaten savory or sweet. Aside from sandos, the store also serves drinks from the classic matcha lattes to unique drinks like hojicha latte, strawberry matcha latte and earl grey matcha latte.