This Is Juicy

Hopdoddy adds Impossible veggie burger with meaty taste to menu

This meatless burger is on the menu at Hopdoddy.

Photo courtesy of Impossible Foods

Hopdoddy Burger Bar is going meatless. Starting Friday (June 23), the burger chain is adding Impossible Foods' plant-based patty to the menu at all Texas locations, including three in the Houston area. The homegrown chain is among the first in the U.S. to offer the meatless wonder. The patty ia also available in Houston at Underbelly and The Hay Merchant.

The patty, which hit the scene in 2016, is lauded for being one of the most convincing imitations of ground beef. Developed by scientist and physician Patrick Brown, the Impossible Burger is made from a mix of wheat; coconut oil; potato protein; and heme, a plant-based protein described as the "magic ingredient" that gives the burger its meaty taste and signature look.

Hopdoddy will feature the plant-based patty in its new Impossible Burger, a version of the restaurant's Classic Burger. It is served with Tillamook cheddar, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and "Sassy Sauce."

"We are proud to partner with a brand that aligns perfectly with the pillars that Hopdoddy was founded on: a unique and honest product made the right way, with the freshest and best available ingredients." says Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler in a release.

Impossible Foods strives to craft the tastiest, most authentic "meats" made entirely of plants. The California-based company aims to grow production to over 4 million patties per month, partner with more restaurants, and eventually expand its offerings. Targeting Texas is essential to that plan.

"While this isn't our first restaurant launch, Texas is crucial to Impossible Foods' expansion and mission," a spokesperson tells CultureMap. "Texas has some of the most discerning burger experts and meat lovers on the planet, and this will be the ultimate test for the Impossible Burger. If the Impossible Burger is a hit here, we are confident it will be everywhere."

Bowling over Houston

Gluten-free Austin restaurant picks River Oaks for first Houston store

Rendering of Honest Mary's in River Oaks

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

It will be a Houston homecoming for restauranteur Nelson Monteith with the fall 2025 debut of Honest Mary’s in River Oaks.

“It’s a joy and honor to bring a brand we’ve worked hard to create in Austin and finally be able to share that concept with friends and family in Houston,” Monteith said in a statement. “There’s a bit of built-in comfort in knowing there are folks here who are already fans of Honest Mary’s. They’ve been asking us for years to open a location in Houston, and now it’s happening.”

Located at 2047-A West Gray St., Honest Mary's will occupy the current La Madeleine space. It is not known at this time when La Madeleine will close, but construction on Honest Mary's is expected to begin in May 2025.

Monteith and his wife, Mary, launched Honest Mary’s in 2017 after embracing mindful eating to improve their health. Since then, the Austin-based eatery that describes itself as serving "life-giving fast food" has expanded to four locations, with the upcoming River Oaks spot marking its arrival in Houston.

“There’s healthy food, fresh food, and fast food,” he said. “We wanted to create something that fits into that sweet spot without sacrificing quality or convenience. The trend towards healthy eating and the reality of busy lifestyles aren’t slowing down. We offer a place that caters to both.”

At the center of Honest Mary’s menu are five signature bowls ranging from poke to vegetarian, including the smoky poblano ($10.25) that features a basmati rice base with fresh vegetables of wild arugula, sweet corn, and pickled onions in a creamy poblano sauce. Co-partner and chef Andrew Wiseheart, known for Austin’s Contigo and Ladybird Taco, leads the kitchen.

Honest Mary's menu features healthy, gluten-free bowls. Guests can choose from five signature bowls at Honest Mary's, or create their own.Courtesy of Honest Mary's

Diners can build their own bowls by selecting a base like quinoa, proteins including grilled chicken and tuna, and vegetables such as sweet potatoes. Pickled onions, cucumber salad, and avocado are among the topping selections, with sauces like lemon garlic and cashew-lime crema.

Scratch-made sipping broths round out the menu, with the chicken bone broth packed with celery, carrots, onions and parsley, or an umami-rich seaweed and mushroom broth.

A selection of house-made aguas frescas and teas, local craft beer, wine, kombucha, and organic cold-pressed juices will be available, as will Honest Mary’s popular almond butter cookies sweetened with maple syrup and topped with a sprinkle of Maldon salt.

Rendering by Mark Odom Studio

Honest Mary's, an Austin-based eatery, is expanding with a new location in Houston's River Oaks in fall 2025.

With its fully gluten-free menu, Honest Mary’s caters to a range of dietary preferences, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free. To align with Monteith’s dedication to nutrition, Honest Mary’s uses seed oils sparingly and prioritizes local and organic ingredients when possible.

“River Oaks Shopping Center has a unique blend of history and vibrant new concepts, making it the ideal home for us,” Monteith said. “We aim to be a neighborhood spot where people can enjoy delicious, healthy food.”

Lunden McGill and John Frazier of Baker Katz brokered the deal for the 2,200-square-foot space and additional patio with seating for 38 inside and 44 outside. Mark Odom Studio is responsible for architecture and design.

Honest Mary’s signature elements of terra cotta and blue tilework will be incorporated to provide consistency between all five locations, while Art Deco-inspired decor of lush greenery, warm wood tones and natural light will align the space with the River Oaks Shopping Center’s structure.

Takeaway, delivery, and dine-in will be provided daily from 11 am to 9 pm.

news-you-can-eat openings honest mary's