Leo's, a new upscale steak and seafood restaurant, is slated to open next to the River Oaks Theater in spring 2024. Now, officials with Culinary Khancepts, the Houston-based hospitality group behind the eatery, have announced Tim Reading will lead the kitchen team.

Reading's past work has included time spent under Hugo Ortega at Caracol, working his own private chef business and working under Chris Shepherd with Underbelly Hospitality.

“I’m extremely excited to begin my new Houston chapter with Culinary Khancepts at Leo’s Restaurant,” Reading said in a statement “I’m a ‘purest.’ I like to let the ingredients speak for themselves. I try to make the least favorite item on the plate the best tasting.”

Other restaurants launched by Culinary Khancepts have included Liberty Kitchen and State Fare Kitchen & Bar. Culinary Khancepts is also an affiliate of Star Cinema Grill, which is overseeing a development of the River Oaks Theater. A reopening date is still to be announced.

Leo's will open in a 5,100-square-foot space that will feature private dining rooms and a large outdoor dining space. It will serve dinner, lunch and brunch.