In addition to a revitalized bar, Black Walnut added an additional overflow room that can be reserved for events. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Known as a neighborhood eatery, Black Walnut was established in The Woodlands in April 2002. Today the eatery has six locations in communities including Conroe, Cinco Ranch, Memorial, Vintage Park and Rice Village.
The Woodlands location was founded on Research Forest Drive and relocated across the street in 2014, per previous Community Impact reporting. In July the location closed for renovations and reopened on July 29 after revamping the space.
“More than anything, we want to say,’Thank you.’ The Woodlands gave Black Walnut its start in 2002, and the support we’ve received from this community over the past two decades has made everything that followed possible,” Eric Lysaker, president of the Woodlands Hospitality Group, Black Walnut’s operating group, said. “The renovated restaurant represents our commitment to continuing that relationship for many years to come.”
Black Walnut is owned by the Woodlands Hospitality Group. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Staying local
Lysaker said as the eatery’s community continued to grow, Black Walnut relocated to New Trails Drive to better serve guests with improved visibility, accessibility and additional space.
The 11,247-square-foot building has since been renovated to include additional space. In addition to a revitalized bar, Black Walnut added an additional overflow room that can be reserved for events.
“This renovation was about much more than updating the look of the restaurant. As we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary in April 2027, we wanted our original hometown location to reflect the quality, hospitality, and experience our guests have come to expect across all of our restaurants," Lysaker said.
Renovations included improvements behind the scenes while creating a warmer, more inviting dining environment with design elements from newer Black Walnut locations that honor the history of the brand, Lysaker said.
To support the community, Black Walnut supports local schools, youth organizations, charitable events, and nonprofit fundraisers throughout Montgomery County and The Woodlands, Lysaker said.
The eatery is participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks, the city’s largest annual charitable dining event supporting the Montgomery County Food Bank, through Sept. 7. During Restaurant Weeks, Black Walnut is offering a special menu featuring a four course meal made up of several salads, second courses including the Ribeye Wonton Tacos and main dishes such as the Pot Roast Dinner as well as dessert.
The Mediterranean chicken was among the lunch dishes served during the grand reopening on July 29. (Jovanna Aguilar/Community Impact)
Some context
Lysaker said guests can expect the same scratch-made menu, friendly hospitality, and all-day dining experience they have enjoyed for years.
“Whether someone is meeting friends for breakfast, grabbing lunch during work, enjoying a date night, or gathering with family on the weekend, we want this restaurant to continue being a place where the community feels at home,” Lysaker said.
Over the years, Black Walnut has been recognized as one of the best brunch experiences in The Woodlands by local media groups, Lysaker said.
The eateries menu features cuisine from comfort food to salads and seasonal chef features. Black Walnut also offers a full bar as well as hand-crafted cocktails.
Lysaker said the chorizo Tex-Mex omelet and lemon blueberry pancakes are among guest favorite breakfast dishes. For lunch, the eatery serves a variety of dishes including a pork belly BLT and the Texas State Flag Salad as well as its seasonal pot roast.
