Convenience Big Store: ❤️ Texas BBQ community helps ailing pitmaster

With a new year comes new restaurants! Already in 2024 we're learning about upcoming locations for a number of favorite Houston eateries, including Duck N Bao, North Italia and PrimoHoagies. Plus, we're getting some true newcomers, such as Little Rey from State of Grace restaurateur Ford Fry.

With all of these changes, how does one keep up? Well, that's why we're here. Read on to find out more about these foodie developments, plus learn if it's time to head out for some live Gulf Coast crawfish. (We're all salivating in anticipation!)

- Timothy Malcolm, deputy managing editor of Texas Culture

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For Starters

A rendering of Little Rey, Ford Fry's latest restaurant concept in Houston, Texas. The Northern Mexico-inspired taco joint is expected to open in early 2024 near the River Oaks Shopping District.

New taco concept from Atlanta restaurateur

Expect street-style tacos, breakfast items and more.

Located in Cypress, Tosca's second location is set to open officially on January 14.

Popular Woodlands bakery-cafe expands

Cypress residents are abuzz over Tosca Italian Gourmet's second location

The Waffle Bus, which sits on the corner of North Shepherd and 19th Street, has been plagued by construction.

The Waffle Bus struggles amid construction

Heights road work is hurting some restaurants.

Is it crawfish season yet in the Gulf Coast?

You can just see the glistening red mudbugs, can't you?

Robert Lopez has takenÂ his once home-brewed kombucha tea into a commercial space on HoustonÂ's East End, but heÂ's still doing things his way.

Houston beverage institution closes after 13 years

Kickin' Kombucha's bottles were a common sight at some of Houston's most popular coffee shops.

Another Philly hoagie shop is Houston-bound

They're armed with capicola and Herr's salt and vinegar chips.

John Brotherton, left, with Russell Roegels, owner and pitmaster of Roegels Barbecue Co. in Houston and Katy.

Texas barbecue community rallies for ailing top pitmaster

Houston-area native John Brotherton has a lot of friends out there.

Last Bite

Here's what else is going on in the fun and wild world of Houston food and beverage:

-- Icon Dolly Parton's 78th birthday is about a week away! Honor the legacy of this living legend by attending a Dolly themed party, which you can attend at The Union Kitchen or Truck Yard.

-- If you're looking for a king cake to headline your Mardi Gras season celebrations, we have a list of places serving and selling the goods. We wish you good luck in your endeavor.

-- Chef news: Timur Fazilov, previously brand executive chef at Sa'Moto by Morimoto in Miami and executive chef of Morimoto in Doha, Qatar, has been appointed executive chef of Azumi, the soon-to-open River Oaks Japanese restaurant from Atlas Restaurant Group.

-- Coltivare, one of Houston's top spots for fresh Italian cuisine, is celebrating 10 years with a four-course dinner on Jan. 23. Sadly, no reservations remain for the evening, but you can sign up for a notification if seats become available.