The Rusty Buckle Craft BBQ and Texas Cuisine is set to reopen in New Caney on Sept. 25. (Courtesy East Montgomery County Improvement District)
Nearly three years after a Thanksgiving Day fire destroyed most of the restaurant's cooking areas, The Rusty Buckle Craft BBQ and Texas Cuisine is set to debut a new space in New Caney on Sept. 25, according to a Sept. 23 news release from the East Montgomery County Improvement District.
The backstory
Originally opened in 2018, The Rusty Buckle is owned by New Caney native Allen Rhoden.
Following the 2023 fire, Rhoden served customers from a food trailer and reopened the restaurant on the other side of the building before deciding to build a new, larger space.
The Rusty Buckle offers a slate of barbecued meats, including brisket. (Courtesy East Montgomery County Improvement District)
What's new
Located behind its original site, the new restaurant will open with expanded seating, food options and live music. Per the release, work has been underway on the new building since December.
"I'm looking forward to being open," Rhoden said in a statement. "I just want to hear that bell on the door ring as our customers come in to eat and cut whatever meats we have ready for that day."
In addition to barbecue, the eatery will offer burgers, country fried steaks, fish tacos, nachos and steaks, according to information on The Rusty Buckle's Facebook page. The new venue features indoor seating for up to 125 guests plus an outdoor patio.
The new restaurant features indoor seating for up to 125 guests, an outdoor patio and historical artifacts. (Courtesy East Montgomery County Improvement District)
Something to note
Per the release, EMCID's board of directors approved a grant and low-interest loan to help the business rebuild, retain its employees through the transition and expand into the new space.
"Rusty Buckle is a great example of the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit we see throughout East Montgomery County," EMCID President and CEO Frank McCrady said in a statement. "Our investment in Rusty Buckle was about more than helping a restaurant rebuild—it was about supporting its employees, preserving a locally owned business and helping ensure this East Montgomery County gathering space could continue to be part of our community."
Officials noted the new restaurant also features a variety of historical artifacts that help showcase and preserve the history of East Montgomery County.
