Heights - River Oaks - Montrose Edition | April 2026

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Heights River Oaks

Montrose Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1 APRIL 10MAY 8, 2026 The cost of staying open Houston restaurants struggle to survive amid increasing rent, food prices

BY ROO MOODY

As customer trac continued to decline, Picos owner Arnaldo Richards debated closing his restaurant after more than 40 years of business. (Roo Moody/Community Impact)

“70% of the restaurants in this area saw food and labor cost increase … another 60% saw a decline in trac. You’re making a decision as a business owner that says, ‘How long can I do this?’” MICHAEL SHINE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE

GREATER HOUSTON TEXAS RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

HARRIS COUNTY, TX • 2025 PROPERTY TAX DATA REPORT • PAID FOR BY OWNWELL

67% of Harris County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.

33%

67%

Protested 1

Didn’t Protest 1

423,057

856,264

residential properties

$268.1M total missed potential savings

$166.4M total realized savings in 2025

Protestors won 87% of the time in Harris County¹

WHY CHOOSE OWNWELL² 90%

IMPORTANT DATES

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metros.

Market leaders & metro team Reporters Jovanna Aguilar Angela Bonilla

Sarah Brager Karley Cross Bradley Dountz Wesley Gardner Cole Gee Rachel Leland

Emily Lincke Roo Moody

Chloe Mathis General Manager

Nichaela Shaheen Catherine White Kara Willis Ariel Worthy Graphic Designers Richard Galvan Ellen Jackson Matt Mills

Jake Schlesinger Jesus Verastegui Ronald Winters Managing Editor James T. Norman Product Manager Martha Risinger Quality Desk Editor Sarah Hernandez Houston Market President Jason Culpepper

Cassandra Jenkins Editor

Anthony Wilson Account Executive

Correction: Volume 7, Issue 12 On page 17, the Houston Pets Alive! Vaccine and microchip clinics are every Friday, not Thursday and the adoption event was moved to April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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A safe way to keep you and your baby healthy If you’re pregnant or planning to be, ask your healthcare professional if you should be taking low dose aspirin to help reduce your risk of preeclampsia.

marchofdimes.org/lowdosebigbenefits

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Impacts

W. 34TH ST.

7 Slowpokes The popular locally owned coffee shop opened its eighth location at Silver Street Studios. The shop is known for its in-house roasted coffee and all-day breakfast items. • Opened March 20 • 1501 Silver St., Bldg. B, Houston • www.slowpokeshtx.com 8 Cariño Coffee The Latina-owned coffee shop serves unique craft matcha and coffee specials like the marzipan cold brew, maíz latte and horchata matcha. • Opened Feb. 22 9 Di Di Coffee A new croffle and Vietnamese coffee shop opened in the Heights in late February. The coffee shop serves croffles, a croissant-waffle hybrid, in flavors such as banana brulee, ube cookies and cream and pistachio matcha. Vietnamese-style coffee will also be available. • Opened Feb. 21 • 1221 W. 11th St., Houston • www.didi.coffee 10 Opera Gallery Houston Known for its modern and contemporary art collection, the major international art gallery opened a new location in Houston, alongside cities such as New York, London and Dubai. The gallery will present three to four curated exhibitions annually. • Opened March 20 • 4444 Westheimer Road, Ste. A115, Houston • www.operagallery.com • 3024 Houston Ave., Houston • www.carinocoffeehtx.com 11 Marel Design Mobili Operating as the first Texas showroom, the Brazil-based furniture company opened in Houston in February. The brand is known for its lacquered finishes and diverse color palette. The store also offers cabinetry and custom furnishings. • Opened Feb. 12 • 3600 Kirby Drive, Ste. G, Houston • www.marelhouston.com

W. 25TH ST.

290

610

W. 20TH ST.

W. 18TH ST.

T. C. JESTER BLVD.

W. 11TH ST.

12 13

WHITE OAK DR.

WHITE OAK PARK

W. 6TH ST.

WASHINGTON AVE.

WINTER ST.

KATY FREEWAY

MEMORIAL PARK

S H I N G T O

SAWYER ST.

BUFFALO BAYOU PARK

BUFFALO BAYOU

P K

610

W. GRAY ST.

527

W. ALABAMA ST.

RICHMOND AVE.

4 The Green Room Led by the owners of Heights & Co., this new concept is an intimate 26-seat restaurant that offers a five- course Chef’s Dinner Party experience that includes a complimentary wine pour or cocktail. • Opened March 5 • 1343 Yale St., Houston • www.thegreenroomhouston.com 5 Shredders Pizza This delivery-focused pizza and wine shop believes that “pizza should be fun,” and serves featured items like Jason and the Dragon, a pizza made with pepperoni, mozzarella, hot honey and arugula. • Opened March 1 • 1777 Airline Drive, Unit A, Houston • www.shredderspizza.com 6 Bar Xolo Bringing Mexican flavors and spirits to the Montrose area, the locally-owned restaurant serves coffee and pastries throughout the day and offers cocktails and Mexican-inspired cuisine in the evening. • Opened March 2 • 223 Westheimer Road, Houston • Instagram: @bar_xolo

Now open

1 Nara Sushi Serving as an all-you-can-eat sushi and hibachi restaurant, the new spot along Kirby Drive replaced the former Sushi King. The menu also offers raw and cooked sushi, sashimi rolls, bento boxes and fried rice. • Opened in February 2 Federal American Grill Serving a range of dishes, the restaurant’s menu offers seafood, steaks, burgers and sandwiches, along with starters such as jumbo lump crab cakes, sticky ribs and truffle beef carpaccio. • Opened March 19 • 2400 Mid Lane, Ste. 100, Houston • https://thefederalgrill.com 3 Long Weekend Husband-and-wife duo Page and Andrew Alvis created this ranch-inspired neighborhood restaurant designed as a gathering place for food, family and community. The concept pairs wood-fired Western cuisine with a breakfast cafe, outdoor playground and live music. • Opened March 4 • 2044 E. T C Jester Blvd., Houston • www.longweekendtx.com • 3401 Kirby Drive, Houston • www.narasushihouston.com

Coming soon

12 Leemoo Health Bar Described as a trusted source for fresh-pressed juice and smoothies, the health bar provides food and beverages that are made from scratch and free of processed sugars, preservatives and artificial flavors. • Opening late 2026 • 621 Waverly St., Houston • www.leemoohealthbar.com 13 Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Founded in New York City in 2008, the ice cream shop offers a variety of flavors such as Sicilian pistachio, honeycomb and black cherry chip. The shop will open inside the renovated Swift Building. • Opening late 2026 • 621 Waverly St., Houston • www.vanleeuwenicecream.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

14 Fein Coffee A coffee shop that specializes in matcha and specialty lattes will open inside the Pineapple Autospa in Montrose this spring. • Opening TBD • 3603 S. Shepherd Drive, Houston • Instagram: @getfeincoffee

In the news 17 Milano Nail Spa

Now open

The nail shop and salon in the Heights celebrated five years in business in March. They offer manicures, pedicures, eyelash extensions and waxing. • Anniversary March 21

• 2799 Katy Freeway, Ste. 130, Houston • www.milanonailspatheheights.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Closings 18 Pie Tap

15 H&H Bagels Described as a landmark joint for classic bagels, spreads, smoked fish and desserts, the popular NYC shop will open its first location in Texas. According to TDLR, construction is set to begin in May and wrap up in late August. • 2880 Westheimer Road, Houston • www.hhbagels.com 16 Hotworx The 24-hour infrared sauna and workout studio is poised to open a new location near Richmond Avenue. The studio offers sessions such as hot yoga, barre, cycling and Pilates. The project is slated to be under

After less than a year of being open, Houston’s only location of the pizza joint announced its closure in early March. A reason for closure was not provided. • Closed March 7 • 3748 Westheimer Road, Ste. 100, Houston • www.pie-tap.com 19 Kroger As part of a series of closures in the Houston area, the grocery store chain closed its Heights location on 20th Street in late March. • Closed March 28 • 239 W. 20th St., Houston • www.kroger.com

20 Star Rover Replacing the former Superica restaurant, this new steakhouse was founded by restaurateur Ford Fry. Steak dinners are served every night, with cuts such as ribeye, filet or skirt steak available. • Opened Feb. 26 • 1801 N. Shepherd Drive, Ste. B, Houston • www.starroverhtx.com

construction from April through July. • 2901 W. Loop S., Ste. 102, Houston • www.hotworx.net

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

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Development

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS & ROO MOODY

Houston to see new luxury living concepts in the next 4 years

R D

WILLOWICK RD.

POST OAK BLVD.

BUFFALO SPEEDWAY

610

S A N F E L I P E S T .

610

W. ALABAMA ST.

CHIMNEY ROCK RD.

I M E R

HALLMARK DR.

EASTSIDE ST.

Ace & Ivy A new 11-story tower is set to launch in River Oaks that will offer a unique residence experience based on health and wellness. Amenities: in-home saunas, steam showers, red-light therapy, hydrotherapy, on-site spa, yoga studio, pool deck, pickleball court and earthing garden • Cost: Residences start at $2.8M • Timeline: Opening by 2028 • Address: 3100 W. Alabama St., Houston

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Houston A 45-story skyscraper featuring 150 guest rooms and 112 residences will be the luxury brand’s first combination of residences and hotel in Houston. Amenities: indoor and outdoor pools, golf simulator, fitness center, yoga atelier, hot tub, cold plunge and spa

The Hallmark A luxury senior living community outside of River Oaks is expanding its campus to include a new 21-story high-rise with 120 independent living residences for residents aged 65 years and older with access to different levels of care. Amenities: yoga studio, massage area, upscale dining venue, art studio, movie theater and swimming pool • Cost: TBD • Timeline: Opening by 2030 • Address: 4718 Hallmark Drive, Houston

• Cost: Residences start at $3M • Timeline: Opening by fall 2029 • Address: 2120 Post Oak Blvd., Houston

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

Education

HISD to close 12 schools in June

Eleven out of 12 campuses recommended for closure have seen signicant enrollment loss in the last ve years. Houston ISD school closure recommendations

69 69

610 610

Alcott Elementary (+3%) Briscoe Elementary (-23%)

45 45

2 3

Burrus Elementary (-45%) 4 Franklin Elementary (-38%) 5 Henderson Elementary (-3%) 6 Port Houston Elementary (-4%) 7 Betsy Ross Elementary (-14%) 8 Cage Elementary (-33%) 9 Hobby Elementary (-34%) 10 Fleming Middle (-30%) 11 McReynolds Middle (-30%) 12 Gulfton Middle College (-53%)

10 10

With almost 35,000 students leaving Houston ISD from the 2016-17 school year to the 2024-25 school year, enrollment losses have been a persistent problem, local stakeholders said. “When a school district loses … students, they’re also losing funds generated by the state education formulas,” said Toni Templeton, University of Houston senior research scientist, who co-authored a Jan. 15 report on the district’s enrollment loss. “Without funds generated from those formulas, you don’t have money to pay teachers … [or] money to keep the lights on.” Enrollment loss played a large part in why HISD leaders recommended the district’s board of managers close 12 schools in June, Superintendent Mike Miles said during the district’s Feb. 26 special meeting. The same day, HISD’s board of managers unanimously voted

59 59

610 610

90 90

45 45

288 288

35 35

90 90

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“It’s a tough decision,” Miles said. “We recognize that, but we got to the point where the school facilities—to repair them is so much more expensive than replacing them at the end of the day ... besides the enrollment problem.”

to close the schools—a choice district leaders said will save HISD between $14.6 million and $20 million. HISD’s 2025-26 school year budget initially included a $39.9 million shortfall.

The cost

What's happening

Besides enrollment loss, Miles said one of the biggest factors in the district’s decision was the increasing cost of maintenance at most of the schools proposed for closure. He estimated that the cost of rebuilding an ele- mentary school would be around $75 million , while the cost to renovate an elementary school would be around $40 million. Of the 12 campuses scheduled to close, nine are elementary schools. In November 2024, roughly 58% of voters voted against the district’s $4.4 billion bond program, which would have provided funds for school renovations, safety improvements and security upgrades, according to Harris County Elections. HISD used the Facility Condition Index to compare the condition of its facilities as of this year. A score of 65% or more typically means the building should be replaced. Nine of the 12 closing campuses received FCI scores of 65% or higher. However, two campuses that will receive students of the closing schools—Carrillo and Pleasantville elementary schools—also scored above 65%. Alishia Jolivette, HISD’s chief of facilities, maintenance and operations, said the age of facilities, recent capital investments and impact on transportation were also factors in the decision to close these campuses.

A growing number of students have been leaving the district since the state took over the district in June 2023, with HISD losing about 7% of its population since then. However, Courtney Isaak Pichon, CEO of area education nonprot Good Reason Houston, said the decline is not a problem unique to HISD, as most large urban districts are seeing major declines.

Facility Condition Index of schools closing A campus’ FCI score is calculated by dividing the total cost of repairs by the cost of replacing the facility, which can result in scores greater than 100.

Alcott Briscoe Burrus Cage Franklin Henderson Hobby Port Houston Betsy Ross

52%

50%

76%

82%

87% 86%

Greater Houston area school district enrollment loss

From the 2020-21 to the 2024-25 school year, Aldine ISD lost the highest percentage of its students in the region, followed by HISD in second and Alief ISD in third.

82% 83%

90%

105%

Fleming

McReynolds

75%

0% -5%

-10% -15% -20%

Gulfton Middle College

N/A Buildings with a score of 65% or higher typically need to be replaced.

SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY WESLEY GARDNER & EMILY LINCKE

Black neighborhood. A place of learning, stability and pride. Closing it would not just shutter a school ... it erases a tangible piece of our history.” Deysy Arellano, a Port Houston Elementary parent, expressed concern about the distance some children will need to walk to their new campus. “We walked the route our children will be expected to take for the other campus,” Arellano said. “It took us 30 minutes. Do you expect a child to walk 30 minutes?”

Another viewpoint

One more thing

Before HISD’s board of managers voted to close the 12 schools, parents, students and elected trust- ees urged the district to vote against closing schools or to at least delay the decision. “Burrus is not just a building, it is a living land- mark,” Community member Billy Williams said. “For generations, it has been the heart of our historic

For the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school years, shuttles will be available multiple times per morning and afternoon to take students from their former campus to their new campus, HISD leaders said in February. Contracted sta at the closing schools, who have done well in evaluations, will not lose their positions based on the closures, HISD Chief of Sta Monica Zdrojewski said. Stang decisions will be made by April 17, and employees can pursue a transfer to another campus if they prefer a dierent position. For enrollment loss at large, Isaak Pichon said she believes HISD and other aected districts should use this moment as an opportunity to create a better environment for students.

School distance

The distance from closing schools to relocated campuses varies between less than a mile and three miles.

*THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE COLOCATED AND OPERATE INDEPENDENTLY IN THE NEW CAMPUS

Distance in miles

Walk time in minutes

Drive time in minutes

Closing schools

New schools students will attend

Alcott Elementary Briscoe Elementary Burrus Elementary Franklin Elementary

Mading Elementary Carrillo Elementary Kennedy Elementary Gallegos Elementary Bruce Elementary Pleasantville Elementary Roosevelt Elementary

0.9 1.6 2.0 0.7 2.0 1.3 3.3 1.9 0.5 1.9 2.2

4 7 7 3 6 5

29 38

Henderson Elementary Port Houston Elementary

40 23 66 41 12 42 43 38

Next steps

Feb. 12: HISD leaders announce proposed school closures Feb. 17-25: Meetings are held with family and sta at the closing campuses Feb. 26: Board of managers votes to close schools April 8: Applicants part of Phase 1 for HISD’s school of choice program will receive placement information Mid-April: HISD to announce stang decisions for closing campuses April-June: Legacy committees will implement plans for preserving the closing campuses’ history and traditions Early June: A community event for the closing of schools will be held June 4: Campuses close Prior to Aug. 10: Facility repairs are slated to be complete at campuses receiving students from the closed campuses

Betsy Ross Elementary

Clemente Martinez Elementary

6 4

Cage Elementary* Hobby Elementary* Fleming Middle* McReynolds Middle*

Lantrip Elementary Lawson Middle School

7 7

Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men

2.1

NOTE: THE DRIVE AND WALK TIMES WERE CALCULATED THROUGH THE USE OF GOOGLE MAPS AT 3 P.M. ON A TUESDAY.

SOURCES: HOUSTON ISD, GOOGLE MAPSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

with disabilities. As of March 9, roughly 8,900 HISD students had submitted applications to be included in the pro- gram—the most by any district statewide, according to Texas Education Agency data. With funding capped at $1 billion for the 2026-27 school year, between 90,000 and 100,000 students will likely be accepted, according to the Texas Comptroller’s Oce. About 156,000 applications have been submitted statewide as of March 6.

Also of note

Isaak Pichon said education savings accounts could also result in further enrollment loss. The $1 billion program, which Texas lawmakers approved in 2025, is designed to expand educational options by oering $2,000 to homeschooled students, $10,474 for private school tuition and related expenses, and up to $30,000 for students

SOURCE: HOUSTON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Government

Transportation

BY ARIEL WORTHY

BY CASSANDRA JENKINS

3 updates on ongoing road projects in Houston to know about

Houston to spend $4M on playground upgrades Houston City Council approved $4 million for playground improvements at 11 parks around the city during the March 18 City Council meeting. What this means Four parks in District C and one nearby in District H will receive playground improvements by the end of 2026, including Spotts Park, Mangum Manor Park, Cleveland Park, Cherryhurst Park and Moody Park. District C council member Abbie Kamin said these improvements, especially for Mangum Manor Park, are overdue. After years of waiting, there will be a new playground at Mangum Manor Park by the end of the year, Kamin said. She added she is also asking that the playgrounds include shade structures, but recognizes that it may be costly, as prices range between $50,000 to $100,000.

Process updated for juror selection The Houston Municipal Courts Department is streamlining jury management. Beginning March 9, potential jurors will be directed to respond online through a juror portal and will be paid via a debit card, instead of a traditional check by mail. What’s different? Residents will now receive a postcard-style summons via the mail. They will then be prompted to respond through an online juror portal, which allows individuals to complete their juror questionnaire and submit their requests for exemptions or disqualifications online, according to a March 6 news release. Potential jurors will also have the option to enroll in text notifications. Juror compensation will be $6 a day and will now be paid via a debit card.

Playgrounds to be improved

Mangum Manor Park

Ongoing project

249

HOUSTON AVE.

STUDEWOOD ST.

MONTROSE BLVD.

Moody Park

N. SHEPHERD DR.

WHITE OAK BAYOU

DURHAM DR.

Spotts Park

Cleveland Park

TAYLOR ST.

MEMORIAL DR.

Cherryhurst Park

610

1 White Oak Elevation Project Project: This Texas Department of Transportation project includes raising the elevation of the I-10 mainlanes above the floodplain of White Oak Bayou, including creating a 10-foot-wide shared-use path on the north side of I-10 along White Oak Bayou. Update: TxDOT will hold an in-person open house on April 14 at the Houston District Auditorium from 5-7 p.m. to discuss the shared-use path and receive resident feedback. • Timeline: 2025-2028 • Cost: $400 million • Funding source: Texas Department of Transportation SAWYER ST.

2 Shepherd-Durham Project Project: The reconstruction project includes making improvements to the roughly 5-mile stretch of road, including adding bike lanes, 6-foot sidewalks, installing left-turn lanes and general upgrades. Update: As of early February, A traffic is reduced to two lanes on the east side of Durham Drive between 11th Street and White Oak Bayou bridge through mid-June. B The Shepherd feeder road will also be closed until mid-June. • Timeline: 2022-2027 • Cost: $115 million • Funding source: Memorial Heights RDA

3 Montrose Boulevard Improvements Project: The project includes fully reconstructing Montrose Boulevard from Allen Parkway to West Clay Street into a four-lane concrete roadway with a median, sidewalks, trees, signals and a pedestrian bridge. Update: Approved tree protection measures will be in place by June 25 for the trees south of West Dallas Street as part of the project. This will include installing fencing to protect the tree trunks. • Timeline: March 2025-Q2 2026 • Cost: $17.9 million • Funding source: Montrose TIRZ

SOURCE: CITY OF HOUSTON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Some background The funding for the project is part of the open space ordinance, which has been used to acquire land and develop and improve park facilities to meet the needs of the city’s growing population, city officials said.

HOUSTON SUPERSTORE 2410 Smith Street (713) 526-8787

SHEPHERD 1900 S Shepherd (713) 529-4849

WESTCOTT AND MEMORIAL 5818 Memorial Dr (713) 861-4161

The cost of staying open From the cover

Current situation

Mapping it out Throughout the past year, Community Impact reported multiple closings in the area.

Name

Closed

Over the past year, dozens of restaurants have closed throughout the Houston Heights, River Oaks and Montrose areas. While local restaurant owners give a variety of reasons for the closings, the most common ones are a rise in rent and a decrease in demand from consumers. The closures, which have aected longtime established neighborhood favorites, new businesses and national franchises, seem to be a sign of an industry that is slow to adapt to rising trends, local restaurateurs said. Arnaldo Richards, owner of local Mexican restaurant Picos near River Oaks, said he planned to close his restaurant after four decades of business due to the decline in foot trac. “There’s a certain threshold … where you start deciding if you’re going to stay open or not [and] if it makes economic sense,” Richards said. “In my case, I have probably subsidized the restaurant for the past 18 months, meaning that I have to pay for everything out of my pocket to cover expenses. That is not sustainable.” Richards announced the closing of Picos in August, but after an outpouring of local support, he decided to stay open and relocate to a smaller establishment later this year.

Shanghai River 1891 American Eatery & Bar

Jan. 31, 2025

610

March 2025

290

Mi Cocina

March 20, 2025

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

20THST.

Good Dog Houston April 2025

12 13

Auden

April 6, 2025 April 24, 2025 June 1, 2025 June 16, 2025 Sept. 19, 2025

La Madeline B.B. Lemon Churrascos Salad & Go

HEMPSTEAD RD.

Bosscat Kitchen & Libations Ginger & Fork Jenni's Noodle House Houston Cider Company

Sept. 28, 2025

WESTCOTT ST.

Oct. 25, 2025

MEMORIAL DR.

Oct. 26, 2025

610

6 17

Nov. 15, 2025

3 10

H E

Ninja Ramen

Dec. 30, 2025

Grati Raw Dec. 31, 2025

Paulie's

Dec. 31, 2025

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille

Jan. 24, 2026

MONTROSE BLVD.

Succulent Fine Dining

288

Feb. 5, 2026

N © GOOGLE EARTH PRO

NOTE: THIS LIST IS NOT COMPREHENSIVE

SOURCE: COMMUNITY IMPACT

A closer look

Put in perspective

greatest for food. The CPI, which measures the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consum- ers, showed that prices for food away from home, or costs for dining out, were 1.5% higher than those for food at home, such as groceries. Industry experts contribute part of the issue to the fact that restaurants still haven’t fully recovered from the pandemic.

In 2025, 50% of restaurants in Texas reported that they were not protable, according to a March presentation from Kelsey Erickson Streufert, chief public aairs ocer of the Texas Restaurant Association. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also showed that among energy, shelter and transportation services, the 12-month percent- age change for the Consumer Price Index was

Data from the Texas Restaurant Association also shows that the cost of food is up by more than 30% since the pandemic.

Restaurant owners see increased cost of ingredients per pound The cost of common restaurant food staples has continued to grow over the past ve years.

2022 2026

Beef steaks

$9.83

+25.13%

Food prices on the rise

The CPI for food shows prices rose by 2.9% from January 2025 to 2026. Below is a breakdown of the price index for food away from home and food at home over that time.

$12.30

Food away from home Food at home

Chicken breast $3.73 $4.17

+11.8%

3.9

0 1 2 3 5 4

3.4

Co ee

$5.14

+82.3%

$9.37

2.2

2.1

1.9

Milk*

$3.79 $4.10

Jan. 2025

Feb. 2025

March 2025

April 2025

May 2025

June 2025

July 2025

Aug. 2025

Sept. 2025

Oct. 2025

Nov. 2025

Dec. 2025

Jan. 2026

+8.18%

*PRICE PER GALLON

SOURCE: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICSCOMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY ROO MOODY

Who it aects

What’s next

from 2.5% in 2024-2025. “We are seeing a slightly accelerated pace of closures, because it has been so dicult to make the businesses work,” restaurant consultant Jonathan Horowitz said. “A lot of people are just kind of throwing up their hands [because] it’s just too hard.”

With growing food prices and lower foot trac, many restaurants are also struggling to meet rent requirements, another factor that has surged in recent years, leading to vacancies. Data from Caldwell Companies shows vacan- cies along the Washington Corridor are at a 10-year high of 7.27% in 2025-2026—an increase

Although the price increase in leasing agreements is driving some owners toward closure, Horowitz said landlords are in the same economic position. “Their costs have gone up, whether it’s insurance or taxes [and] they have to respond to the market just like everybody else,” he said. Horowitz also said the restaurant industry is not structured to be able to pay incredibly high rents and that, although it is dicult, the trick is to nd the equilibrium between the two. However, with Houston hosting several large-scale events in 2026, such as the FIFA World Cup this summer, restaurants are hoping to see an increase in customer trac and sales. “There’s going to be some movement for some areas of Houston, specically those restaurants inside the loop,” Michael Shine, executive director of the Greater Houston Texas Restaurant Association, said. “Those restaurants close to the action, they’re going to see some real movement, but Houston is so spread out.”

The rise in rent over time

Asking Rent in 2016 Asking Rent in 2026

Market data shows rents in various Houston submarkets approaching or setting 10-year highs.

27% increase

29.7% increase

22.9% increase

Washington Corridor

River Oaks Shopping District

Sawyer Yards

SOURCE: CALDWELL COMPANIESCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Events

BY ROO MOODY

Great Taste of the Heights Hosted by the All Saints Catholic Community, the event features food samples from Heights area restaurants and live entertainment. • April 18, 5-10 p.m. • $30-$40 (per ticket) • 215 E. 10th St., Houston • www.greattasteoftheheights.com

April

Tour de Houston The 19th annual bike ride has a new route with three different distance options for families, casual riders and cyclists training for the upcoming MS 150 to choose from. • April 12, 8 a.m. • $35-$60 (per person) The Park Ball Gather beneath the stars on the Clay Family Eastern Glades at one of Memorial Park Conservancy’s biggest fundraising events of the year. • April 16, 6:30-10 p.m. • $1,000 (individual ticket) • 6500 Memorial Drive, Houston • www.memorialparkconservancy.org • 1001 Avenida De Las Americas, Houston • www.houstontx.gov/tourdehouston Big Spring Energy Shop 50-plus local plant and artisan vendors and enjoy hands-on activities, giveaways and sing-alongs. • April 18, noon-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 600 N. Shepherd Drive, Houston • www.themkt.com/events

May

Vibe Artisan Market The two-day artisan market features 130-plus artists and makers selling local art, jewelry, ceramics and other products, along with art galleries and live music. • May 2-3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 2000 Edwards St., Houston • Facebook: Houston’s Spring Vibe Art Fair Mother’s Day Market The annual market is returning to the Houston Heights, offering local finds and one-of-a-kind gifts. • May 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Free (admission) • 714 Yale St., Houston • Facebook: Heights Mercantile Mother’s Day Market

Houston Art Car Parade Enjoy activities, food and a parade of cars that have been modified into works of art as they travel toward Downtown Houston. Art cars can be painted, welded, smashed or lifted, with the only rule being that they must roll. • April 11, 2-4 p.m. • Free (admission) • Starts at Taft Street and Allen Parkway, ends in Downtown Houston • www.thehoustonartcarparade.com

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Events

BY ROO MOODY

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo hit record 2.7M attendees in 2025

Measuring the impact

The 2025 report also measured the Rodeo’s eco- nomic impact as well as other information, such as pony rides and chicks hatched. Statistics include:

largest educational contributors in the country, with $14 million given in scholarships in 2025. “Each year, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo leaves a lasting impact, but the 2025 Rodeo season reached new heights,” HLSR President Chris Boleman said. “The numbers speak for themselves and reect the pride our great city of Houston—and 36,000 volunteers—have in our mission.”

Since 1932, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has hosted events to promote Western heritage. A newly released impact report from 2025 shows that last year broke several standing records, including an attendance record of 2.7 million guests over 23 days. The Rodeo also continues to be one of the

• $326 million of direct economic impact was generated in the Greater Houston area • $597 million of produced total economic activity • $630 million of total educational support has been given since 1932

• Nearly 18,000 young cowboys and cowgirls rode the pony rides • 961 chicks hatched in the Poultry Exhibit • Approximately 540,000 prizes were won at the carnival games

Numbers on the rise The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo saw a record number of more than 2.7 million attendees in 2025. 2022 2.4M 2023 2.4M 2024 2.5M 2025 2.7M

Who it aects

In 2025, the Rodeo also announced a new type of donation that provided $500,000 in aid for ood recovery eorts in the Texas Hill Country after the July 4 ash oods. “As the world’s largest livestock show and rodeo, we understand the responsibility we have to stand with our neighbors in times of crisis,” Boleman said in the report. Kerr County Stock Show: $150K Back in the Saddle: $100K Texas Department of Agriculture Star Fund: $150K Breakdown of HLSR donations to the Texas Hill Country The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo donated $500,000 to aid ood recovery eorts in the Texas Hill Country after the July 4, 2025, ash oods.

SOURCE: HLSR COMMUNITY IMPACT

Texas FFA: $50K Kerr County 4-H: $50K

Total $500K

RodeoHouston awarded $2.5 million to contestants in 2025.

COURTESY HLSR

SOURCE: HLSRCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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HEIGHTS RIVER OAKS MONTROSE EDITION

Nonpro t

BY ROO MOODY

Lifelong learning is alive at River Oaks institute Established in 1951, Rebecca and Dean Richardson founded The Women’s Institute of Houston, a nonprot for women who “couldn’t really go out.” “They were at home staying with the kids, and they didn’t really have the opportunities to get out and do all these classes... so, a woman in River Oaks just decided that she’d had enough and she started her own lecture luncheons,” Communications Direc- tor Wendy Tull said. The framework Over time, the institute grew to oer a diverse range of classes to both genders. Classes typically see about 20-25 attendees and can cover almost any topic, including literature, history, religion and philosophy, but Executive Director Shea Hill said the current events and politics lectures tend to be the most popular, with sometimes more than 75 participants.

Communications Director Wendy Tull, left, and Executive Director Shea Hill.

ROO MOODYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Going forward At the institute, the participants tend to be those who have recently retired or are looking to keep their brains sharp, Hill said. However, Hill and Tull are looking for ways to bring in a younger demo- graphic as well. “A lot of socialization goes on here, maybe more so than in a traditional classroom setting,” Tull said. “It just feels like coming to somebody’s house and hanging out.” Classes at the institute vary in pricing from $40 per class to $360 per semester.

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Dining

BY ROO MOODY

Post-shift conversations to four locations: the rise of Handies Douzo After many late nights hanging out after their shift at Uchi Houston, Patrick Pham and Daniel Lee began talking about what it would be like if they opened their own restaurant. Serving hand-rolled sushi, the duo rst opened Handies Douzo in the Heights in 2019 and has expanded to three other locations. The approach Coming from a chef’s background, Pham and Lee said they were serious about the quality of the ingredients being used. For example, the handrolls are made with seaweed from the Ariake Sea in Japan, and one of the sh imported is Tasmanian Ocean Trout. Pham said the restaurant spends six times the amount of normal seaweed to have that specic texture and avor. On the menu Additionally, Pham said Handies Douzo hasn’t changed the menu items or prices since the restau- rant opened seven years ago. His favorite dishes are the hamachi handroll and the spicy tuna handroll, which uses a habanero aioli instead of a sesame oil for spice and aromatics. “We want to give you that high-quality sushi without you paying an arm and a leg,” Pham said. Looking ahead Since 2019, Pham and Lee have opened several more concepts and started their own restaurant group called Duckstache Hospitality.

The new Handies Douzo location in Post Oak is expected to open in late 2026.

PHOTOS COURTESY STUDIO RIVERA

Chefs Daniel Lee, left, and Patrick Pham have seven restaurant concepts across Houston and Dubai.

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Real estate

Of the 188 homes sold in the Heights, River Oaks and Montrose areas in February, 34% were sold for a price point between $500K and $750K. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

February 2025

February 2026

+18.2%

+5.77%

+4.62%

+15.38%

610

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

77008

77007

Median home sales price

77019

February

2025

2026

77006

$657,000 $531,750 $600,000 $800,000 $615,000

$692,500 $518,000 $672,450 $870,000 $840,000

77006

77098

77007

288

77008

Homes sold by price point

77019

February 2026

77098

$1,000,000+

$750,001-$1,000,000

Average days on market

$500,001-$750,000

+21.0%

+10.42%

-10.34%

-29.59%

-10.83%

$250,001-$500,000

<$250,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY CB&A REALTORS 8326784770 • WWW.CBAREALTORS.COM

77006

77007

77008

77019

77098

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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION

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