Convenience Big Store: 🚂 Food hall evicts tenants

This week has been a polarizing one for Houston restaurants. On one hand, Keith Lee's visit to Houston drummed up incredible business for some eateries. The TikTok food star's bump even forced one Pearland dessert shop to temporarily close because she couldn't keep up with the surge of customers. On the other hand, a multitude of businesses were forced to pack up and get out after a food hall evicted them via group text. Railway Heights, now Junction HTX, went a different direction that probably would have hurt less had vendors received a heads up.

On the side, I've heard that some well-known establishments are having a hard time. Current restaurant economics are not particularly hot right now, and we're already heading into another slump come next year. If you've got the time and money, be sure to throw some love (and fair critique) the next time you eat somewhere.

- John-Henry Perera, food editor

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For Starters

Common Bond Brasserie & Bakery serves up decadent pastries including a colorful pistachio croissant.

Are these Houston restaurants not hot anymore?

Some on Reddit say these eateries are getting by on their reputations.

A classic two-piece fried chicken combo at Frenchy's.

Beyoncé devotes slice of film to favorite restaurant

What Houstonian wouldn't promote their favorite chicken spot in their own documentary?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: TikTok food reviewer Keith Lee is photographed during a break in a game between the New York Liberty and the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 29, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Liberty 98-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

TikTok star's visit has led to dessert shop briefly closing

After a whirlwind week, Pearland's The Puddery took to social media.

Common Bond's Brasserie features an eye-catching bar.

Common Bond quietly closes sprawling location

Now where to go for a coffee and a pastry?

The Laurenzo family has opened a new El Tiempo Cantina at 20237 Gulf Freeway in Webster. It is the eighth El Tiempo in the Houston area. Shown: House margarita.

Houston Tex-Mex stalwart opens airport location

Tacos, burritos, queso and margaritas on offer at this spot.

HOUSTON, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 02: Houston rapper Bun B attends a press conference as the Houston Texans introduce DeMeco Ryans as head coach at NRG Stadium on February 02, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Houston's Christmas? It's Bun B's Trillmas

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

The Junction Beer Garden, now known as Junction HTX, opened on November 14 in the former Railway Heights Market building.

Food hall sends group text to evict all remaining restaurants

Located in the popular Heights neighborhood, longtime tenants of the newly re-branded Junction HTX got the shock of their lives.

Last Bite

There are a lot of interesting happenings around town. Here are some things you might have missed this week:

The Houston Chronicle, our colleagues upstairs, recently published a meaty list of the biggest restaurant violations of the year. Even more impressive is that the reporter talked with the leading restaurant with the most citations: Doneraki.

EatDrinkHTX, the sister event to Houston Restaurant Weeks, released a preliminary list of restaurants participating in the fixe prix event. Unlike HRW, this one caters exclusively to casual dining places. The event runs from Feb. 15 to the 29.

Remember Yauatcha? The Michelin-starred restaurant had a brief run in Houston's Galleria area before it shut down in 2019. Chef Ho Chee Boon, the executive chef there, is returning to Houston with a new concept at the Blossom Hotel in the Medical Center. According to a press release, the restaurant should open in 2024.

An 8-year-old from Spring is going to be on MasterChef Junior: Home for the Holidays. Mina and eight other contestants will be cooking up seasonal delights to wow a panel of judges. The episodes will air Sunday and Monday between 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern/Pacific Times).

Walk-On Sports Bistreaux, a chain of sports bars and restaurants, have set up shop in La Porte. If you haven't been, Louisiana fare features prominently on the menu. The Boom Boom Shrimp looks mighty inviting too. The chain already boasts 100 locations across the U.S.