Katz’s Never Kloses
Katz’s Never Kloses is making a comeback to Austin after 14 years of absence, reopening in its original location. The deli will serve 24-hour sandwiches including The Reuben, Katz’s Pride, and other signature items. Now under leadership of Barry Katz (son of founder) and his wife Lisa.
Honest Mary’s
Healthy restaurant chain expanding with fifth Austin location downtown. Originally expected to open early 2026 but delayed. Owner was contacted for updated timeline but not immediately available for comment.
Foodie & Tina
Sustainable sushi restaurant transitioning from pop-up to first brick-and-mortar location. Will offer omakase boxes, rice bowls, and standing hand-roll bar with grab-and-go format and limited dine-in seating.
Piada Italian Street Food
Italian fast-casual chain opening new location in Stone Hill Town Center. $500,000 renovation of 2,450-square-foot space with construction expected from May 4 to July 1, 2026.
Pep’s Backyard
Entertainment eatery featuring family-friendly and pet-friendly environment with live music, 26ft screen, 20+ TVs, kid zones, dog park, 21+ rooftop, 30 taps, frozen drinks and cocktails. Construction started October 2025 and expected to wrap up by July 2026.
Spanish Village
Spanish Village, a Houston Tex-Mex restaurant staple since the 1950s that closed in 2023, is planned to reopen or return as a similar concept on the second floor of a new mixed-use development called Alameda Village in Houston’s Third Ward. Owner awaiting funding to begin construction.
Bussia Cucina Italiana
New Italian restaurant concept opening in Shops at Arrive River Oaks. $400,000 construction project for 3,286 square-foot space. Owner Fabrizio Paletta also owns Pane e Vino Ristorante Italiano. Construction expected to start July 2026 and finish mid-January 2027.
Carlo
Two new Italian concepts from Brasserie 19 owner Charles Clark. Carlo is the casual concept opening at 1830 Westheimer by September, while Casa Carlo is the more refined concept opening at 1834 Westheimer by November. Both will feature pastas, pizzas, and tableside dishes, paying homage to the former Paulie’s restaurant.
Saucy! by KFC
Fast-casual chicken concept from KFC featuring chicken tenders with a wide variety of sauces. 2,780 square feet location. Construction set to commence in June and wrap by November. First location outside of Florida.
Thai Bird
Thai Bird is opening its second location in Castle Hills. The chicken and wine eatery offers Thai-style chicken dishes, rotisserie chicken, fried chicken, and mini donuts. Co-owner David Gilbert is a James Beard Award 2013 nominee with over two decades of global cooking experience.