Introduction to New Restaurants in The Woodlands
The Woodlands, a community owned by the real estate development firm Howard Hughes, is set to welcome two new restaurants in partnership with top Houston-area chefs. These restaurants, Charolais and Bar Bludorn, are expected to open in 2026, bringing new dining experiences to the community.
Charolais: A Beef-Forward Restaurant
Charolais is the brainchild of chef Austin Simmons, who is making a comeback after his surprise resignation from Tris last year. This restaurant will be located in the former Local Pour space in Hughes Landing and is slated to open in early 2026. Charolais will specialize in high-quality beef sourced from a program focusing on genetics and sustainable animal husbandry. The restaurant’s concept is an extension of Chef & Rancher, a genetics-driven beef company started by Simmons and Texas rancher Larry Ludeke. According to Simmons, "Charolais represents my lifelong passion, a restaurant focused on elevating American beef through hand-reared cattle."
Bar Bludorn: A Tavern Concept
Bar Bludorn is a second location of the tavern concept from chef Aaron Bludorn, his wife Victoria Pappas Bludorn, and their business partner Cherif Mbodji. The restaurant will be located in the former Baker St. Pub & Grill space at 25 Waterway Ave. and is scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2026. Bar Bludorn will feature a similar menu and design as the original location, which opened in Memorial in 2024. The menu will include staples such as country ham beignets, short rib pastrami sandwich, and fried chicken with peanut butter gravy, as well as seasonal items unique to each location.
What to Expect from Bar Bludorn
The Woodlands location of Bar Bludorn will also feature a private dining room, which is not available at the Memorial location. According to Aaron Bludorn, the restaurant’s location at The Woodlands Waterway offers several advantages, including its proximity to the area’s two largest hotels and the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion. Bludorn envisions the restaurant as a place not only for dinner but also for happy hour and other events.
Impact on The Woodlands Community
The addition of Charolais and Bar Bludorn to The Woodlands community is expected to elevate the culinary landscape of the area. According to Jim Carman, president of the Texas Region for Howard Hughes, "Chef Simmons’ return to The Woodlands and chef Bludorn’s entry to the community represent significant additions to our culinary landscape." The community can look forward to enjoying these new dining opportunities in 2026.
Future Developments
In addition to Charolais and Bar Bludorn, The Woodlands is expected to welcome another major restaurant in the near future. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands, an 8-acre, 111-unit project, is rumored to include a restaurant from superstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, although this has not been officially confirmed by Howard Hughes.
Conclusion
The arrival of Charolais and Bar Bludorn in The Woodlands marks an exciting development in the community’s dining scene. With their unique concepts and high-quality cuisine, these restaurants are sure to attract foodies and locals alike. As The Woodlands continues to grow and evolve, it will be interesting to see how these new restaurants contribute to the community’s culinary identity and what other dining experiences the future may hold.
