The latest Co-owners Joe Copus and O’Donnell opened Craft Grill in February with the help of their respective wives, Patti and Connie. The menu has expanded to include made-from-scratch Southern cuisine, such as shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, and a special-blend burger with sides such as jalapeno hush puppies and bacon macaroni and cheese. The eatery also features live music on Wednesdays and an outdoor patio. 

25219 Kuykendahl Road, Ste. G110, Tomball 281-255-2396 www.craftgrillrestaurants.com

3. Ron’s Hamburgers and Chili

What we reported Ron’s Hamburgers & Chili will open a Magnolia location at 18415 FM 1488 in the former location of the First Victoria Bank in winter. The restaurant has several locations in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas and offers a selection of hamburgers, housemade chili, Frito pies and sides such as fries, onion rings, okra and tater tots.

The latest Owners David and Amanda White opened the Magnolia location in mid-December near Magnolia Diner on FM 1488. Draft beer, milkshakes and a patio space with seating are available at the new location.

18415 FM 1488, Magnolia 281-259-7133 www.ronshamburgersandchilitexas.com

4. Melt Gourmet Grilled Cheese

What we reported A second location of Melt Gourmet Grilled Cheese is under construction at 11703 Spring Cypress Road near Hwy. 249 in Tomball. Co-owners Joe Duong and Daniel Wagner said the location was expected to open in mid- to late-September.

The latest Following construction and permitting delays due to inclement weather and holiday schedules, Duong said the Tomball location is slated to open in early to mid-January.

What’s next Duong previously said the menu will be identical to the eatery’s first location at 14030 Telge Road in Cypress, which opened in early July. Melt serves a number of sandwiches made with fresh sourdough bread such as the Brie Melt and the Mo Chicken Mo Waffle, which features a grilled cheese with fried chicken between two waffles. Melt’s second location is part of a larger plan for to open several more restaurants in the northwest Houston area, Duong said.

11703 Spring Cypress Road, Tomball www.facebook.com/meltgourmetgrilledcheese

5. Down the Road Burgers & Brews

What we reported Down the Road Burgers & Brews opened in mid-October at 41902 FM 1774, Magnolia. The bar and grill is owned by Jose Velasquez, owner of La Magnolia Trattoria Italiana. The restaurant serves burgers, fish, shrimp, wraps, fish tacos, appetizers and a selection of more than 40 beers. Dart boards, a jukebox and televisions showing sporting events are also available.

The latest In late October, the eatery opened the drive-thru window for customers that call ahead to pick up to-go orders. Velasquez said he has also added beer taps from local breweries, such as Magnolia’s Lone Pint Brewery and Houston’s 8th Wonder Brewery, however, the eatery remains family-friendly, with games for children.

What’s next Velasquez said he has plans for a second and third location in Tomball and the greater Magnolia area. Location details and opening dates have not yet been announced.

41902 FM 1774, Magnolia281-259-8076 www.dtrburgers.com

6. Deacon Baldy’s

What we reported Deacon Baldy’s Bar and Food Trucks opened at 5451 FM 1488, Magnolia, on Oct. 7. The food truck park and bar features rotating and permanent food trucks as well as a back bar area with over 40 beer taps with local craft beer, handmade cocktails and wine. Food trucks at Deacon Baldy’s include: The Lucky Fig, CraftBurger, Cousins Maine Lobster and Beefy’s Food Truck. The open-air bar and patio is family-friendly and includes yard games and family-style seating.

The latest In addition to the four permanent food trucks, co-owner Kevin Mims said additional trucks will be on site on Saturdays and Sundays, giving customers up to six food trucks to choose from. Upcoming guest trucks are announced on their website and Facebook page.

What’s next Mims said Deacon Baldy’s is working to add curtains to enclose portions of the open-air bar area and well as installing heating to allow guests to stay warm during the winter months.

5447 FM 1488, Magnolia281-650-2558 www.deaconbaldys.com

7. Adriatic Cafe Italian Grill

What we reported Adriatic Cafe Italian Grill was expected to open a second location at 19004 Windsor Pointe Drive, Tomball, near Hwy. 249 and Northpointe Boulevard, in October. The first is located near Hwy. 290 and Jones Road in Cypress.

The latest Construction on the new Tomball location is still underway, with the exterior of the building nearly complete. However, the restaurant is now expected to open at the end of January.

What’s next The 6,000-square-foot location will offer the same menu available at its original Jersey Village location. The menu will include various pasta dishes, fried calamari, margherita pizza and chicken Alfredo as well as desserts, such as cheesecake and tiramisu. The restaurant will also offer a full liquor bar, party room and patio.

19004 Windsor Pointe Drive, Tomball www.adriaticcafe.com