Convenience Big Store: 🌮 Longtime Tex-Mex chain files for bankruptcy

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For Starters

Megan Kehoe, 22, takes offensive position cosplaying as Katarina at the Hermann Park during the Japanese Festival of Houston, Sunday, May 7, 2017.

Festival may be too popular for own good

Is it time to rethink free attendance?

A Texas steakhouse has closed after a generation in business. Multiple restaurants have closed recently, citing financial challenges over the last few years.

15-year-old Texas steakhouse shutters

One industry expert says he thinks recent issues can turn around.

One of Texas' most celebrated chefs is still without a smoker that was stolen from him in August, he told Chron.

Good, bad news about stolen smoker

The James Beard award nominee is finding silver linings, too.

Texas barbecue joints and restaurants traditionally put 'barbecue' and 'BBQ' in their name. But times are changing, and some owners are putting their own mark by dropping the standard naming conventions.

New crop of barbecue joints drop 'BBQ'

It's still barbecue, but it's also something more.

A grocer has announced the impending closure of a fourth Houston area location. Customers are being alerted to visit a nearby market.

Houston grocer to close fourth location

But it's not all bad news for the company.

Pinstripes, a dining and entertainment concept that features Italian-American cuisine, bowling and bocce will open this fall at Kirby Collection near River Oaks. Photos from similar locations.

Restaurant chain strikes out in Texas

The bowling company is declaring bankruptcy.

Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant and its parent company Food Concepts International filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy on Sept. 2, 2025. The Texas restaurant chain cited inflation, higher costs, and the 2024 heat waves as factors.

Longtime Tex-Mex restaurant chain files for bankruptcy

The post-pandemic economy claims another victim in the restaurant industry.

Last Bite

Here are some other stories you might have missed this week:

-- The chain favorite Cheesecake Factory is suburban catnip. So, it should come as no surprise that the restaurant brand will soon ensnare the families of moderately sized one- and two-story homes in the Houston suburb of Cypress in the grasp of its 250+ item menu.

-- Tim Malcolm, our deputy managing editor for Texas lifestyle, has eaten a lot of pizza. So I have to perk my head up when he says this restaurant is still the best.

-- Houston, are we back? One of the city's most treasured institutions, House of Pies, has announced it's once again open for 24 hours … but there's a caveat.