The dining area at Charolais features 200 seats. (Courtesy Claudia Casbarian with Julie Soefer Photography/Howard Hughes Communities)
Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons is now open in The Woodlands at Hughes Landing, according to a July 14 news release from Howard Hughes Communities.
Simmons was formerly executive chef of TRIS in The Woodlands, which closed in January 2025. Community Impact previously reported Simmons planned for the new restaurant to specialize in high-quality beef produced through a program focusing on genetics and sustainable animal husbandry.
The dining area at Charolais features 200 seats. (Courtesy Claudia Casbarian with Julie Soefer Photography/Howard Hughes Communities)
Guests will be able to customize steak boards by selecting specific cuts and preferred preparation methods, which include:
Live fire
Cast iron
High-temperature broiling
Other modern cooking techniques
Chef Simmons’ Hoof to Plate philosophy emphasizes ingredient integrity, traceability and quality, according to the release. Simmons' venture with Texas rancher Larry Ludeke, Chef & Rancher, maintains oversight of the beef program, including genetic selection, husbandry, processing and final cuts, according to the release.
What they're saying
“Opening Charolais in The Woodlands means a great deal to me because this community has been such an important part of my story,” Simmons said. “We wanted to create a place that reflects the energy, pride, and standards of this market—a restaurant built around exceptional beef, thoughtful hospitality, and an experience people here can feel is truly their own.”
Chef Austin Simmons opened the restaurant July 14. (Courtesy Claudia Casbarian with Julie Soefer Photography/Howard Hughes Communities)
“For a community like The Woodlands, local impact matters,” said Jim Carman, president of the Texas Region for Howard Hughes Communities. “Chef Austin Simmons is not just an acclaimed chef. He is a talent people here know and are excited to see return in a major way. Charolais brings a distinctive new experience to Hughes Landing and reflects our commitment to continuing to elevate the quality and character of The Woodlands.”
Before you go
The restaurant, designed by gin design group and built by Texana Builders, includes features such as:
200 seats
An open kitchen
A social bar
A chef-driven cocktail program
An open-air patio
Two private dining rooms for 24 and 36 guests with expansion options
The C&R Market is located adjacent to the restaurant offering Chef & Rancher products such as premium cuts of beef, apparel and other items.
Opened July 14
1900 Hughes Landing Blvd., Ste. 350, The Woodlands
