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2 Houston universities excel on prestigious report and more top stories

Top marks for Rice University.

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Editor's note: It's time to look back at the top Houston news of the week, beginning with top marks for local high schools and colleges. Plus, a top Houston chef shares his best burger tips. Get the details on our most popular stories below, then head to our event planner for more weekend fun.

1. 2 Houston universities excel on 2026 list of best U.S. colleges. Two Houston universities were just inducted into a new "hall of fame" list of the best colleges in the U.S. for 2026.

2. Booming Texas sports bar bounds into Katy with a covered patio and 48 TVs. Dallas-based sports bar BoomerJack’s Grill & Bar has expanded its presence in the Houston area with a new location in Katy.

3. 2 Houston high schools succeed as America's best in 2025, per U.S. News. Two prestigious Houston high schools are living up to their reputations for top-tier education after being ranked among the best high schools in the country.

4. Bon Appetit names Michelin-recognized Houston cafe to best breakfast list. Houston’s favorite new breakfast destination is basking in the national spotlight again.

Casaema restaurant food spread Casaema is once again in the national spotlight. Photo by Eric Sandler

5. Chris Shepherd shares his burger dos and don'ts, plus his 5 Houston faves. The chef uses his "High Five Scale" to rank his faves.

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Trader Joe's sets Cypress opening date, confirms Bellaire plans

Photo courtesy of Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page

Trader Joe's is expanding, and shoppers couldn't be happier.

Two new Houston-area communities announced that they would be opening Trader Joe's locations, bringing the total number of stores in the city to nine.

On Thursday, December 18, the Towne Lake by Caldwell Communities Facebook page posted that the new Trader Joe's at 9715 Towne Lake Parkway would open at 8 am on Friday, December 19. Unsold but still-good products left over at the ribbon cutting ceremony will be donated to local nonprofits.

"Not only does Trader Joe's have great prices on food, drinks, and treats, but as a hobby florist I always find the best selections for my floral arrangements," Copperfield resident Kelsey Zuchlewski tells CultureMap. "Now, with the convenience of having a location right here in our neighborhood, I'm in heaven."

Confirmation of the Cypress opening followed an announcement on the City of Bellaire's Facebook page that a Trader Joe's would take over the former Randall's at 5130 Bellaire Blvd. The post did not specify when construction will begin or when the location will open.

"This highly anticipated addition to our community will bring a unique grocery shopping experience and further enhance the vibrant retail landscape of Bellaire," the post said. "We look forward to welcoming Trader Joe’s and will share updates as the project progresses."

The California-based chain of stores entered Houston in 2012, first in the Woodlands and then, more famously, at the old Alabama Theater space on Shepherd, where it has become a beloved local institution. Since then, the chain has expanded throughout Houston, including a Kingwood location that opened earlier this month.

Over the year, Trader Joe's has built a loyal following that rivals even H-E-B. Staff at the stores (wearing Hawaiian shirts) are trained to be extremely friendly and helpful, as well as being encouraged to purchase ownership in the company. The selection is smaller and more curated than other larger grocery stores, leading to a boutique experience that many consider to be surprisingly affordable. At least one viral TikToker claims that Trader Joe's beats H-E-B's price, although the latter undoubtedly has a larger selection of goods.

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