Introduction to Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons
Chef Austin Simmons has a new restaurant, Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons, scheduled to open in January in the former Local Pour space at Hughes Landing. One thing he wants to make clear is that he is not collaborating with Aaron Bludorn on this restaurant. The simultaneous announcement of both Simmons’ new restaurant and Bludorn’s second outpost of Bar Bludorn in The Woodlands Waterway may have caused some confusion.
The Concept Behind Charolais
Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons will serve as a showcase for Chef & Rancher, the beef company that Simmons started in partnership with Texas rancher Larry Ludeke. All of the beef served at Charolais will be from cows that Chef & Rancher has cared for from birth to harvest. This unique approach will allow Simmons to educate customers about the healthiest beef in existence. The goal is to provide customers with a deeper understanding of the beef they are consuming, and Simmons plans to prove the health benefits of his beef scientifically within the next 12 months.
Menu and Pricing
The restaurant will offer a range of options, including three burgers every day for lunch and dinner, which will be more affordable than the dishes served at Tris, Simmons’ previous restaurant. The average price per person will be at least $30 less than Tris. For those looking for a more premium experience, Simmons will offer signature steak boards, made famous by Joe Rogan. Customers will be able to select the cuts of beef that come on the board and choose the fuel source and method used to cook the steak.
Unique Features and Design
The almost 300-seat restaurant will have a main dining room, a bar/lounge area, and a climate-controlled patio. The design will feature bright colors and touches that will appeal to both men and women. The restaurant will also have private dining spaces that will host corporate clients and those celebrating special occasions. One of the unique features of the restaurant is the adjacent butcher shop, where customers will be able to buy raw beef to take home.
Pop-Up Events and Partnerships
While the restaurant is under construction, Simmons will be popping up at Houston-area H-E-Bs with a mobile kitchen that can serve burgers made with beef from Chef & Rancher. He will be at the Creekside H-E-B on September 5 and 6, and again on September 21. More dates and locations will be announced in the weeks to come. Simmons appreciates the trust that Howard Hughes, the company that developed The Woodlands, has shown in him by partnering on the project.
Conclusion
Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons promises to be a unique and exciting addition to the Houston dining scene. With its focus on high-quality beef and customer education, the restaurant is sure to appeal to beef lovers and those looking for a new dining experience. The combination of affordable pricing, premium options, and unique features such as the butcher shop and pop-up events will make Charolais a must-visit destination for foodies and casual diners alike.
