The Woodlands is changing in big, fun ways. New restaurants, jewelry stores, and neighborhood favorites are opening or moving, especially around Market Street, The Waterway, Indian Springs, and Hughes Landing. At the same time, we’re seeing a bigger trend: more Houston chefs and brands are moving out from the inner loop and choosing The Woodlands and nearby areas for their next locations. That means our suburb is getting even more of the “city” feel people love — but with trees, lakes, and top-rated schools.
All of this is great news if you live here or hope to buy a home here soon. When you have strong dining, shopping, and walkable fun close by, it can make daily life easier and can support home values over time. Many national studies show that homes near restaurants, shops, and trails often sell for more than similar homes that feel more “isolated.” In some suburbs, that bump can be around 5–10% higher. Of course, every home is different, but it’s a good reminder that lifestyle and location really matter.
Below, you’ll find a simple breakdown of what’s new and what’s coming in 2026, plus how each area might impact The Woodlands lifestyle and real estate market. Timelines can shift a bit with construction, but this guide reflects the latest public info as of December 2025.
Comfort Food & Casual Favorites: Whataburger, Lankford’s & On The Kirb
Let’s start with comfort food. After many years in The Woodlands area, Killen’s Barbecue at Six Pines Dr. and Research Forest Dr. has now closed for good (its last day of service was December 7). In its place, Whataburger is taking over the site. The plan is to reuse much of the existing building and create another classic orange-and-white spot right by the heart of The Woodlands. An exact opening date hasn’t been announced yet, but when it does open, it will bring easy drive-thru burgers and breakfast tacos to a very busy corner near Market Street and The Waterway.
Down on The Woodlands Waterway, a Houston legend is heading our way. Lankford’s, the almost 90-year-old burger joint that started in Midtown, is opening its third location at 24 Waterway Ave., in the former Baja Cantina space. The opening is currently expected for January 2026, but like any build-out, the date could move a bit. This location will include:
- A 12-tap, self-serve beer wall
- A milkshake bar with classic and boozy options
- A dog-friendly “Rescue Menu,” with part of the proceeds helping the Montgomery County Animal Shelter
Lankford’s keeps its Houston roots and “old-school” burger vibe, but puts it in a walkable Waterway setting.
In Indian Springs, On The Kirb is now open at 6777 Woodlands Pkwy., Suite 100. This is the brand’s fifth and largest location, and it officially opened on November 15, 2025. You can see more about the concept at onthekirb.com. On The Kirb is a mix of organic eatery and sports bar, with:
- Fresh local produce and grass-fed, organic meats
- Free-range dairy and poultry
- Neapolitan-style pizzas cooked in a brick oven
- A big outdoor patio with lots of TVs, so you can enjoy the game outside
For nearby villages like Indian Springs, Sterling Ridge, and Alden Bridge, this adds a “city-style” hangout right in the neighborhood.
Upscale Dining on The Waterway: Bari, Bar Bludorn & Charolais
The Waterway and nearby Hughes Landing are turning into true foodie zones, with several big-name Houston chefs heading north.
First, Bari Ristorante, which opened its first location in Houston’s River Oaks District in 2023, is building its second home at 24 Waterway Ave., #125 (the former TRIS space) in the Waterway Square District. Most reports point to an early-to-spring 2026 opening, with many hinting at March, but the official date is still “early 2026” for now. To learn more about the brand, visit bariristorante.com.
Bari’s style is chic and romantic, inspired by Milan and Rome. Expect:
- Warm tones, high ceilings, and black-and-white photos
- Tableside pasta finished in a wheel of Parmesan cheese
- Refined seafood, pastas, and updated Italian classics
For Waterway-area homes and condos, Bari adds a true “special occasion” spot you can walk to for anniversaries, birthdays, or client dinners — a huge draw for buyers who want city-level dining without a drive down I-45.
Next, Bar Bludorn The Woodlands is planned for 25 Waterway Ave., in the former Baker Street Pub space. The current plan is for a summer 2026 opening. This will be chef Aaron Bludorn’s first restaurant outside central Houston and will be larger than the original Bar Bludorn, with expanded private dining areas that are not available at the Houston location. You can follow the original concept at bludornrestaurant.com.
Bar Bludorn will bring a contemporary American bistro menu with Texas touches — think creative dishes like fried chicken with peanut butter gravy and seasonal menus built around fresh Gulf seafood and local produce. Paired with Bari and Lankford’s, the Waterway will soon offer everything from casual burgers to polished date-night dinners, all in a short walk.
Over at Hughes Landing on Lake Woodlands, chef Austin Simmons (formerly of TRIS) is opening Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons in early 2026 at Restaurant Row. This concept leans into his genetics-driven cattle program and will focus on very high-quality beef and a refined steakhouse experience. You can keep an eye on updates through Howard Hughes news releases and local coverage.
For buyers exploring homes near Hughes Landing and Lake Woodlands, the mix of lakeside views, office space, fitness options, and serious dining like Charolais creates a “live, work, play” setting that can be very attractive to professionals and empty nesters.
Market Street Glow-Up: Gorjana, David Yurman, Draper James, Pink Chicken & Schilleci’s Move
Market Street keeps getting more stylish and more upscale. In November 2025, two jewelry brands opened side by side:
- Gorjana – A light, modern jewelry brand known for layered gold pieces and charms. See more at gorjana.com.
- David Yurman – A luxury jewelry house famous for its cable bracelets and fine pieces for both men and women. Visit davidyurman.com.
These brands joined other recent arrivals like Draper James and Pink Chicken, giving Market Street more of a “mini River Oaks District” feel with fashion, jewelry, and dining all in one walkable space. For homeowners near Market Street and Town Center, this kind of tenant mix boosts both convenience and neighborhood prestige.
A longtime favorite is also getting a fresh start. After about 15 years at Market Street, Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen is relocating to a larger space at 2501 Research Forest Dr., Suite B, across from Snooze. Construction started in November 2025, and the restaurant is expected to reopen around January 2026. The move allows for more space and a refreshed layout, but Schilleci’s has shared that it plans to keep the same beloved Cajun and Creole menu — think gumbo, étouffée, and beignets — that locals know and love.
This is not a loss for Market Street; it’s more of a reshuffle. Market Street gains room for new brands, while neighborhoods along Research Forest gain a strong, locally loved dining anchor.
More to Love: d’Alba and Other New Openings
Beyond the big names above, a few more concepts help tell the story of how The Woodlands and nearby Magnolia are growing.
d’Alba Craft Kitchen & Cocktails has opened a location on the Magnolia/Woodlands border. The concept blends a casual but beautiful setting with modern-American dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and a popular “balloon bread.” The patio is dog-friendly and set up for long, relaxed meals. You can see more details at dalbahtx.com.
Together with On The Kirb, d’Alba helps bring a more urban, restaurant-heavy feel to the southern and western edges of The Woodlands. For buyers who want space and trees but still want “date night” within a short drive, these additions are big wins.
Quick Timeline of Openings & Moves
Here’s a simple overview you can bookmark. All dates are based on public reports as of December 2025 and may shift as construction continues.
| Place | Location | Status / Expected Opening | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| On The Kirb | Indian Springs – 6777 Woodlands Pkwy. | Opened Nov 15, 2025 | Organic sports bar, big patio, brick-oven pizza. |
| d’Alba Craft Kitchen | Magnolia / The Woodlands border | Opened Oct 2025 | Modern-American, family-friendly, dog-friendly patio. |
| Whataburger | Six Pines & Research Forest (former Killen’s) | Opening date TBA | Fast-casual burgers and breakfast in a key corridor. |
| Lankford’s | 24 Waterway Ave. (former Baja Cantina) | Planned Jan 2026 | Historic Midtown burger spot with beer wall, shakes, dog menu. |
| Schilleci’s New Orleans Kitchen | 2501 Research Forest Dr., Ste. B | Relocating, reopening Jan 2026 | Same Cajun/Creole menu, larger new space across from Snooze. |
| Bari Ristorante | 24 Waterway Ave. #125 (former TRIS) | Expected early–spring 2026 | Upscale Italian, River Oaks sibling, tableside pasta in Parm wheel. |
| Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons | Hughes Landing – Restaurant Row | Expected early 2026 | High-end beef program, modern steakhouse experience. |
| Bar Bludorn The Woodlands | 25 Waterway Ave. (former Baker Street Pub) | Planned summer 2026 | Contemporary American bistro, larger than original, more private dining. |
| Gorjana & David Yurman | Market Street – 9595 Six Pines Dr. | Opened Nov 2025 | Upscale jewelry brands adding to Market Street’s luxury mix. |
What This Means for The Woodlands Real Estate
When you look at all of these openings together, a clear picture forms: The Woodlands and nearby areas are attracting serious investment from well-known chefs, national brands, and growing restaurant groups. That helps keep our community lively, modern, and competitive with top suburbs across the country.
For sellers, this is a great time to highlight lifestyle in your listing, not just square footage. If your home is near Market Street, The Waterway, Indian Springs, or Hughes Landing, be sure to mention walkable (or very short drive) access to these new spots. Many buyers, especially those relocating from inside Houston or out of state, are searching for “The Woodlands homes near restaurants and shopping” — exactly the kind of lifestyle these projects support.
For buyers, especially relocators, this wave of openings means you don’t have to choose between great schools and great food. You can have both. Whether you’re dreaming of a townhome by the Waterway, a family home near Indian Springs and Sterling Ridge, or a low-maintenance place close to Hughes Landing, there are options that put you close to the action.
