Responding for Killen's, Kelley Louis said the company is under contract with Whataburger for the property.
"The property was not even listed on the open market," Louis said in an email. "We were approached and accepted the offer. This will in no way affect any other location."
The Killen's Steakhouse location on Research Forest Drive in Shenandoah closed in February.
The Killen's Barbecue restaurant opened in 2021. Other locations are located in Pearland and in Cypress, according to the company website.
Community Impact previously reported the restaurant is owned by Houston chef Ronnie Killen, who launched the original Killen’s Steakhouse in his hometown of Pearland in 2006. He is certified as an executive chef by the American Culinary Federation and has served as assistant executive chef at the White House, Community Impact previously reported.
What's next
John Mayner, director of Visit Shenandoah, the city's convention and visitor bureau, said there is a projected September 2026 opening for a new Whataburger at the location, but noted that is subject to change.
- Closing Dec. 7
- 8800 Six Pines Drive, Shenandoah
- www.killensbarbecue.com
