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 his restaurant and Bludorn’s second outpost of Bar Bludorn in The Woodlands Waterway may have caused some confusion.
Unique Features of Charolais
The restaurant 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 makes it the only restaurant in the world with full control of the beef it uses, including the animals’ genetics. Simmons aims to educate customers about the healthiest beef in existence and plans to prove it scientifically in the next 12 months.
Dining Experience
Charolais will offer a mid-scale, modern, casual, and polished dining experience. Customers can dress up for date night or come in with shorts and boat shoes and feel comfortable on the patio. The restaurant will have a main dining room, a bar/lounge area, and a climate-controlled patio, with private dining spaces for corporate clients and special occasions. The average price will be at least $30 less than Tris per person, making it more affordable for weekly meals.
Menu Options
The restaurant will serve three burgers every day for lunch and dinner, allowing Simmons to serve a less expensive meal and utilize the ground beef generated. For a more premium experience, customers can opt for one of Simmons’ signature steak boards, made famous by Joe Rogan. Diners can select the cuts of beef, fuel source, and cooking method, and even witness the steak being cut from a primal in the butcher shop.
Butcher Shop and Take-Home Options
Adjacent to the restaurant will be a butcher shop where customers can buy raw beef, cryovac’ed and ready to take home. This will be similar to how Simmons currently ships beef to destinations all over America via Chef & Rancher’s website. The butcher shop will also offer a unique experience for customers who order a bone-in cut, inviting them to witness the steak being cut from a primal.
Design and Partnerships
The almost 300-seat restaurant will have bright colors and touches to make it appealing to both men and women. Simmons appreciates the trust that Howard Hughes, the company that developed The Woodlands, has shown in him by partnering on the project. He is grateful for the support of David O’Reilly and Jim Carmen, which has enabled him to showcase his vision.
Pop-Up Events and Future Plans
While the restaurant is under construction, Simmons will be popping up at Houston-area H-E-Bs with a mobile kitchen, serving 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, with more dates and locations to be announced.
Conclusion
Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons promises to offer a unique dining experience, with a focus on high-quality beef and a mid-scale, casual atmosphere. With its unique features, menu options, and partnerships, the restaurant is set to become a popular destination in The Woodlands. Simmons’ passion for educating customers about the healthiest beef in existence and his commitment to providing an affordable and enjoyable dining experience make Charolais a must-visit for foodies and beef lovers alike.
