Chi'Lantro BBQ, of 'Shark Tank' and Food Network fame, opens first location outside of Austin in the Heights

Chi'Lantro BBQ—a Korean-inspired concept from Austin that has been featured on "Shark Tank" and on Food Network—will open its first location outside of Austin on April 3 in the Houston Heights, 1324 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston.

This is the brand's 11th location. The opening comes after a series of delays to due the pandemic.

Ahead of the opening, Chi'Lantro will be hosting two "friends and family" events; one from 5-8 p.m. March 31, and one from noon-3 p.m. April 1, according to a March 31 press release. For guests who make reservations on EventBrite, the restaurant will offer complimentary food. Organizers are also encouraging donations to MD Anderson Pediatric Cancer Fund for Neurofibromatosis type 2 patients.

"I'm motivated to give back to a cause that means so much to me," Chi'Lantro founder and CEO Jae Kim said. "I'm doing it for my sister, who passed away due to NF2. We are looking forward to celebrating our opening while supporting a good cause."

The menu will feature Chi'Lantro BBQ favorites, such as K'Pop Chicken, Chi'Jeu Queso, agua frescas and kimchi fries.

“In 2015 we scaled back to focus on the brick and mortar expansion in Austin, and I am thrilled that after almost a decade we are returning to the city where my journey in Texas began," Kim said. "Houston holds a special place in my heart, and I am excited at the opportunity to rekindle my connection with this diverse and culinary-focused community.”

Kim launched Chi'Lantro in 2010 as a Korean Mexican fusion food truck and appeared on "Shark Tank" in 2016.

www.chilantrobbq.com