Jose Velasquez, owner of La Magnolia Trattoria Italiana, will open Down the Road Burgers & Brews in mid October. The bar and grill, located in the former Magnolia Smokehouse on FM 1774, will serve burgers, fish, shrimp, wraps, fish tacos, appetizers and a selection of more than 30 beers. The restaurant will also feature dartboards, a jukebox, live music and a drive thru.

Velasquez, the head chef at La Magnolia, said he was a police officer for eight years before opening his first restaurant. He said a second venture will give him another way to serve the Magnolia community.

“I love burgers, I love cooking. I love this business," Velasquez said. "I love the community of Magnolia. This is just going to give me another opportunity to give more jobs to people who need them and help the city grow.” 281-259-8061.