1. Pena’s Donuts & Diner

What we reported Pena’s Donut Heaven and Grill owner Raymond Pena opened a new concept called Pena’s Donuts and Diner opened for business Oct. 21. The new restaurant serves a similar menu as the original spot, offering a variety of doughnuts, hamburgers, sandwiches and other American-style lunch items.

The latest While it offered dinner options at its new concept, the diner announced in December that it would be cutting back hours to just include breakfast and lunch.

 

2. BB’s Cafe

BB’s Cafe Cajun cuisine and po’boy shop BB’s Cafe opened its first Pearland location in May.[/caption]

What we reported Houston-based BB’s Cafe opened its first Pearland location May 24. It is the restaurant’s sixth location in the Greater Houston area. BB’s Cafe offers “Tex-Orleans”-style Cajun cuisine, such as gumbo, po’boys, crawfish and a variety of other seafood selections. The restaurant also includes a full bar and happy hour specials.

The latest As of Jan. 1, five BB’s locations debuted a new menu featuring a new section called “Gone Fishing” as well as a new sampler platter appetizer called All that Jazz. The location is also ideal for crawfish season, which is expected to start near the end of January.

What’s next The Houston-based franchise has announced the opening of its seventh-area location, a 3,200-square-foot facility at 1275 Eldridge Parkway, Houston, in the Energy Corridor in late 2017. BB’s will celebrate its 10th anniversary at its Montrose location in November.

3. Brasserie 1895

Brasserie 1895 Owner Kris Jakob (left) and executive pastry chef David Berg opened Brasserie 1895.[/caption]

What we reported Kris Jakob, Friendswood resident and former director at Culinary Institute LeNotre in Houston, opened Brasserie 1895 in Friendswood this summer. The restaurant features a bar with craft beer and wines, and it has capacity for 100 guests.

The latest In early September, the restaurant added Sunday hours to include a brunch menu. The restaurant is open from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Sundays and serves crab cake Benedict, creme brulee french toast and supreme omelet souffle.

 

4. Killen’s Burgers

Killen’s Burgers In June, acclaimed pitmaster Ronnie Killen opened a burger concept in Pearland.[/caption]

What we reported Owner and chef Ronnie Killen opened Killen’s Burgers on June 6 at the former location of Killen’s Steakhouse. The retro-themed restaurant offers hamburgers, grilled and fried chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and French fries. The establishment is Killen’s third restaurant in Pearland.

The latest In November, Killen added Killen’s STQ at 2231 S. Voss Road, Houston. The new concept marks Killen’s first concept in Houston and his fourth restaurant overall. Killen’s STQ offers a variety of entrees offered at the different Pearland locations while adding a few unique dishes.