Howard Hughes is partnering with the two chefs on two separate ventures to bring elevated dining experiences to Hughes Landing and 25 Waterway in 2026, according to a news release.
- Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons is a concept rooted in the chef's genetics-driven cattle program, and it will open in Hughes Landing in early 2026.
- Bar Bludorn The Woodlands is Bludorn’s first restaurant outside of central Houston, and it will open at 25 Waterway in summer 2026.
The backstory
Simmons was formerly executive chef of TRIS in The Woodlands, which closed in January. Located on The Woodlands Waterway, TRIS was named after Executive Chef Austin Simmons' daughter, he told Community Impact in 2019. TRIS was known for its steak and seafood dishes among other selections.
According to the news release, Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons will specialize in high-quality beef produced through a program focusing on genetics and sustainable animal husbandry, and it includes his full involvement in the process.
“I am thrilled to open Charolais in The Woodlands, and to partner with Howard Hughes,” Simmons said in a statement. “Charolais represents my lifelong passion, a restaurant focused on elevating American beef through hand-reared cattle.”
Diving in deeper
Bludorn's Houston restaurants include Bludorn, Navy Blue, Bar Bludorn, and Perseid, and his new location at 25 Waterway will be the neighborhood tavern Bar Bludorn, according to the release. This is the chef's first restaurant outside of central Houston, and it will pair a contemporary American bistro menu with Texas-inspired flavors, according to the release.
“Opening our first restaurant outside of Central Houston is an exciting new venture, and we feel really confident partnering with Howard Hughes on this project,” Bludorn said. “We see a lot of guests from The Woodlands visit Bar Bludorn in Memorial, so we are looking forward to bringing the same Houston-inspired hospitality to the community.”
What they're saying
“Chef Simmons’ return to The Woodlands and Chef Bludorn’s entry to the community represent significant additions to our culinary landscape,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas Region for Howard Hughes. “We have recently partnered with exceptional brands and talent to bring new experiences to the community, and we look forward to residents and visitors enjoying these elevated dining opportunities here in The Woodlands.”
