Over the past year, the west end of The Woodlands saw an increase in locally owned dining options as restaurant owners expanded their businesses and opened new concepts along the FM 2978 and 1488 corridors.

Terry McBurney, owner of The Republic Grille, opened the restaurant’s first location in 2014 on West Panther Creek Drive. Two years later, McBurney opened a second location of The Republic Grille on FM 2978 due to overwhelming demand and the location.

“I was inspired by customer demand to open another location,” McBurney said. “There are areas that are underserved; one of those areas is the west [end] of The Woodlands by FM 2978 and Woodlands Parkway. It was natural to seek a location in that area. Eventually, Woodlands Parkway is going to be extended, and I wanted to get a jump start on everyone else.”

McBurney said there are no other businesses in the FM 2978 area like The Republic Grille, and the new restaurant has brought customers in from west of Kuykendahl Road. McBurney also expects to expand his restaurant with a third location in the future at Bender’s Landing in Spring.

Another business owner who took advantage of the growth toward the back of The Woodlands is Joey Muckenthaler, general manager of Deacon Baldy’s Bar and Food Trucks. Muckenthaler said the new concept, which offers four different food trucks and a bar offering craft beer, opened in October on FM 1488 and has since been an overwhelming success.

“We’ve been having a lot of fun and getting a lot of regular customers,” he said. “We’re the only one in this area serving over 100 kinds of craft beer. I think there is still a lot of room here to grow for restaurants—the sky is the limit.”

Aftab Prasla, owner of Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt, echoed Muckenthaler and said the FM 1488 area was open to a lot of opportunity.

Prasla said Sub Zero Ice Cream & Yogurt is expected to open this month and will offer made-to-order ice cream made in 15 seconds with liquid nitrogen. The shop will feature 40 different flavors.

“There was a good opportunity for ice cream in this area since there is not a lot in this location,” Prasla said. “We’re expecting to pull customers from a 10-mile radius from Montgomery, Conroe, The Woodlands and Magnolia.”

The Brooklyn Cafe is set to open a new location early this year along FM 1488 as well, along with Woodson’s Local Tap and Kitchen.