Of all the restaurants coming to River Oaks District, none are more eagerly anticipated than Austin-based burger chain Hopdoddy Burger Bar. While the waiting may be the hardest part, it's almost over. The company has revealed that it will open on May 30.
“Our burger-loving fans in Houston longed for our fresh spin on burgers and we are glad that we finally found the perfect location,” Hopdoddy co-founder Guy Villavaso writes in an email. “With our in-house bakery, butchery and full bar, Houston diners can expect the refined flavors they are accustomed to with the added bonus of a unique experience. What it boils down to is that Houston deserves a bad ass burger and Hopdoddy plans to bring that to the table.”
Villavaso and Larry Foles founded the company (along with Moonshine Patio Bar & Grill co-founders Chuck Smith and Larry Perdido) after they sold Eddie V’s and Wildfish Seafood Grille to Darden Restaurants in November 2011 for $59 million. Known for its all-natural Black Angus beef, fresh cut fries, and use of sustainable ingredients, Hopdoddy has been a sensation since it began and has quickly grown to locations throughout Texas as well as outposts in Arizona, California, and Colorado.
In addition to beef, Hopdoddy sets itself apart by offering bison, turkey, chicken, tuna, and black bean patties as well as upscale toppings like brie, arugula and truffle aioli. The full bar includes both craft beer and boozy milkshakes. No wonder fans routinely wait in line for half-an-hour or longer to order.
River Oaks District may be getting Houston’s first Hopdoddy, but it won’t be the last.
“The outpour for more locations was heard loud and clear,” Villavaso writes. “We absolutely have more Houston locations on the horizon soon.”
