1. Growler USA America’s Microbrew Pub
What we reported Growler USA America’s Microbrew Pub opened July 22. The restaurant specializes in American-made craft beverages, such as beer, kombucha, wine and hard ciders. There are 100 taps on-site with a focus on Houston breweries as well as those in Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. The restaurant also serves sandwiches, salads and healthy cuisine. There are no fryers at the eatery, and all foods that are normally deep-fried are instead baked.
The latest Growler USA has been involved in the community: It held a chili cookoff that raised approximately $2,000 for the nonprofit Star of Hope and worked with No Label Brewing Co. to run the beer tent at the Katy Triathlon at Firethorne.
What’s next In December, the restaurant started bingo nights once or twice a month on Tuesdays, and children now eat free on Thursdays. They also rolled out new menu items, including baked chicken sliders, loaded tots and brisket tacos.
Willy Burger grinds its meat in-house twice per day for its specialty burgers.[/caption]2. Willy Burger
What we reported Willy Burger opened its Katy location in October. The old-school hamburger eatery specializes in grinding its meat in-house twice per day. Burger alternatives include ahi tuna and chicken breast, and the establishment also serves french fries, onion rings and shakes. The Katy store is the business’s second location.
The latest Business has been so robust the restaurant recently installed a phone line to start taking phone orders, the owners said.
What’s next The company plans to open a pizza restaurant in Katy in the coming year. The location and time frame have not been determined.
Tad’s Steak & Seafood puts a Cajun flair on traditional surf and turf menu items.[/caption]3. Tad’s Steak & Seafood
What we reported The Katy location of Tad’s Steak & Seafood opened in late June. The eatery has happy hour specials, a mini Putt-Putt golf course, outdoor dining and a large bar area with TVs, darts and pool tables.
The latest Tad’s hosts its first Cars and Coffee event Jan. 28 from 7-10 a.m. The event features exotic, import and classic cars with coffee, food, mimosas and bloody marys.
What’s next Large-scale events continue at the restaurant, including a Mardi Gras party Feb. 25-26, 2-9 p.m. At the event, guests will enjoy all-you-can-eat crawfish, live music and beer by No Label Brewing Co.
Piggy Pibil serves dishes found in southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.[/caption]4. Piggy Pibil
What we reported Piggy Pibil’s storefront was set to open in September. The restaurant is the brick-and-mortar complement to the local food truck by the same name. The family owned and operated truck specializes in cochinita pibil, a traditional pulled pork dish found in southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.
The latest Though Piggy Pibil was originally scheduled to open in September, it faced delays with permits and contractors and did not open until Dec. 16. Business has been brisk, and management is now working on adding new items to the menu.
What’s next During the winter months, the focus has been on the restaurant rather than the food truck, although the truck has been used for catering events. As the weather warms up, the truck will go to more events. The restaurant plans to hold a grand opening sometime in February.
Peli Peli offers South African cuisine, serving steak, chicken and seafood.[/caption]5. Peli Peli
What we reported Piggy Pibil’s storefront was set to open in September. The restaurant is the brick-and-mortar complement to the local food truck by the same name. The family owned and operated truck specializes in cochinita pibil, a traditional pulled pork dish found in southern Mexico and the Yucatan Peninsula.
The latest Though Piggy Pibil was originally scheduled to open in September, it faced delays with permits and contractors and did not open until Dec. 16. Business has been brisk, and management is now working on adding new items to the menu.
What’s next During the winter months, the focus has been on the restaurant rather than the food truck, although the truck has been used for catering events. As the weather warms up, the truck will go to more events. The restaurant plans to hold a grand opening sometime in February.
Jax Burgers serves made-to-orderhamburgers as well as fries and shakes.[/caption]
6. Jax Burgers
What we reported Jax Burgers’ Cinco Ranch location was scheduled to open in early June. The restaurant offers made-to-order burgers, french fries and shakes.
The latest The burger company’s newest location opened near George Bush Park and offers eight specialty burgers made-to-order from 100 percent Black Angus beef. The restaurant also serves five shake flavors made with Blue Bell ice cream, six different varieties of french fries as well as grilled chicken and hotdogs. The name JAX comes from the names of owner John Recio’s sons, Jake and Max.
What’s next In February the location will begin delivery service through the Waitr app, which allows customers to place orders from local restaurants using their smartphones.
Wood-fired rotisserie chicken is central to Cowboy Chicken’s menu options.[/caption]7. Cowboy Chicken
What we reported Cowboy Chicken opened a location in northeast Katy on March 9. The restaurant specializes in serving wood-fired rotisserie chicken.
The latest Sales have grown each month, and the restaurant now offers catering and delivery through apps, such as DoorDash, UberEATS and Postmates. The dining room is also available to rent for private parties.
What’s next A new Cowboy Chicken app just launched that allows customers to keep track of their loyalty rewards. Participants earn $5 in rewards for every $50 spent. The franchise owns the rights to open 14 more restaurants in the Greater Houston area over the next 10 years, and the owner is actively pursuing real estate for future locations.
Local Table’s expansive menu includes burgers, pizzas, tacos, wraps and salads.[/caption]8. Local Table
What we reported Local Table opened April 19 at Katy’s Villagio Town Center. The restaurant features a large selection of foods, including burgers, tacos, wraps, salads and pizzas made with fresh and locally derived ingredients.
The latest Although it has had catering and delivery from the start, Local Table has been actively promoting these services. Customers can have orders delivered to their home, office or nearby hospitals for a 7 percent charge. The restaurant has also purchased two catering vans bearing its logo.
What’s next A full, upscale bar opens in early March in the space that was formerly used by Babaloo International Cafe & Bar. The bar will feature local draft beer, wine and drinks made with fresh juices. A variety of bar foods will be served, and there will also be a room for private parties and special events.
All Stars Family Grill will become the second Texas Borders Bar and Grill.[/caption]9. Texas Borders Bar and Grill 1093
What we reported All Stars Family Grill will become a Texas Borders Bar and Grill location. The original Texas Borders restaurant resides at 20940 I-10, Katy. The Texas Borders menu includes Southwestern and Cajun dishes, including wings, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, salads and soups. The eatery also includes a full bar.
The latest Texas Borders owner Kellie Messer began managing All Stars Family Grill on Oct. 4 and closed the location Dec. 18 to begin renovations. The new location is set to reopen in late January as Texas Borders Bar and Grill 1093.
What’s next Upon opening, the location will include a new outdoor patio featuring a stage for live music, 10 to 15 dining tables and a fire pit lounge. The restaurant’s management plans to add karaoke nights and trivia nights moving forward. They will also add signature drinks made by the glass.
Sertinos Cafe serves organic coffee from Oregon along with food items.[/caption]10. Sertinos Cafe
What we reported Sertinos Cafe opened March 18 in southwest Katy. The cafe serves specialty organic coffee from Oregon as well as various sandwiches, salads, soups, ice cream and smoothies. The business has a drive-thru along with indoor and outdoor seating. The Westheimer Parkway location is the first in Katy for the franchise.
The latest Although the holidays were slower than usual, business has picked back up. The restaurant has been actively supporting the community, helping out schools and other organizations like the YMCA with gift cards and coffee for events.
What’s next Beginning in February, Sertinos will introduce gluten-free menu options, including muffins, bread, and breakfast and lunch options. The restaurant will also start a promotion where customers receive a gift card for placing a new catering order.
