New Restaurants Coming to The Swift BLDG

The Swift BLDG, a new mixed-use project in the historic Swift & Company Packing Plant, is set to open in fall 2026. Developed by Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners, the project is located near the Heights Hike & Bike Trail and will feature over 30,000 square feet of office space, along with 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail tenants.

First Two Restaurants Announced

The first two restaurants to be announced for The Swift BLDG are Escalante’s and Merit. Escalante’s is a popular Tex-Mex restaurant that has been a Houston staple since 1993. The restaurant is known for its upscale Tex-Mex fare, including outside skirt steak fajitas, house-made flour and corn tortillas, and signature queso blanco. Escalante’s will occupy a 4,500-square-foot space with two patios at The Swift BLDG.

Escalante’s: A Houston Institution

Escalante’s has been a favorite among Houstonians for decades, and its addition to The Swift BLDG is expected to be a major draw for the area. "Each of our restaurant spaces takes on unique elements from the communities they serve, and this one is no different," said John Iannucci, CEO of Mas Mex, Escalante’s parent company. "It’s an honor to share Escalante’s heritage in a place that carries more than five decades of rich history itself."

Merit: A New Coffee Shop Experience

Merit is a coffee shop that is making its debut in the Houston market with an outpost at The Swift BLDG. The shop is known for its specialty coffee drinks, including a cereal milk cold brew topped with crushed Fruity Pebbles cereal. Merit’s physical locations are built with their neighborhoods in mind, giving patrons a place to come every day. "We’re beyond excited to finally bring the Merit café experience to Houston," added Merit CEO Bill Ellis. "This is something our customers have been asking for, and we’re thrilled to create new community spaces where our guests can enjoy world-class coffee, thoughtfully designed environments, and genuine connection."

The Swift BLDG: A New Hub for the Heights

The Swift BLDG is expected to be a major hub for the Heights area, with its mix of office, restaurant, and retail space. The project is the result of a partnership between Radom Capital and Triten Real Estate Partners, who previously partnered on the M-K-T mixed-use development in the Heights. "We’re thrilled to announce these exciting additions to the Heights dining scene," said Radom Capital’s Barton Kelly. "We cannot wait for Houstonians to welcome Merit to the city. We’re honored they selected Swift for [one of] their first locations."

Conclusion

The announcement of Escalante’s and Merit as the first two restaurants to join The Swift BLDG is exciting news for the Heights area. With its mix of office, restaurant, and retail space, The Swift BLDG is set to become a major hub for the community. The addition of these two popular restaurants is expected to draw in visitors from all over the city, and help establish The Swift BLDG as a premier destination in Houston.