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    Cyclone Anaya's Sold

    Iconic Houston Mexican chain acquired by major restaurant group

    Eric Sandler
    Aug 21, 2017 | 2:07 pm
    Cyclone Annaya's, Exterior, Durham, June 2012
    Cyclone Anaya's has new owners.
    Photo by Karen Burd

    One of Houston's most iconic restaurant brands has a new owner. Iconic Tex-Mex restaurant Cyclone Anaya's announced Monday that it has been acquired by the Heritage Restaurant Group, which is part of the Sugar Land-based Dhanani Group.

    Named for its founder, who performed as a professional wrestler in the '50s, Cyclone Anaya's has been a Houston staple since 1966. The restaurant is known for its classic Tex-Mex fare and potent margaritas. From its base on Shepherd Drive, the restaurant has expanded to six Houston-area locations and an outpost in Fairfax, Virginia.

    “Cyclone Anaya’s is a beloved Houston institution with deep roots in our community, just like us,” said Shoukat Dhanani, the owner of Heritage, in a statement. “We’re excited to continue the same tradition of classic Tex-Mex fare and world-class service that garnered so many fans throughout the years. As the restaurant that brought Houston the Jumbo Margarita, Cyclone Anaya’s has been an important part of the history of Tex-Mex in this city and beyond.”

    Joining the Heritage Restaurant Group puts Cyclone Anaya's with the same company that owns French fast casual concept La Madeline. While most Houstonians probably aren't familiar with Heritage's parent company, the Dhanani Group is a major restaurant industry player, with over 500 Burger King and 170 Popeyes locations in Texas, New England, Chicago, and Minneapolis. Dhanani's success in turning around struggling restaurants earned him a spot on Nation's Restaurant News list of the restaurant industry's more powerful people.

    Heritage says its for Cyclone Anaya's includes expanding the menu, improving customer service, and adding more locations across Texas. Corporate chef Jason Gould is no longer with the restaurant, but he is continuing his work with former owner Rico Valencia on Cyclone Anaya’s Tex-Mex Cantina in Austin and Midtown burger joint Rico’s Morning + Noon + Night.

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    another surprise shutter

    Coastal-inspired Houston restaurant will shutter after 3 years in Montrose

    Eric Sandler
    Dec 29, 2025 | 10:07 am
    Graffiti Raw
    Photo by Kirsten Gilliam
    undefined

    A Montrose restaurant devoted to fresh and healthy fare will soon serve its final meal. Graffiti Raw will close on December 31.

    Located next to Uchi in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development, Graffiti Raw opened in early 2023. It is part of the Big Vibe Group, the hospitality company behind Coppa Osteria in Rice Village and Flora, the stylish Mexican restaurant in Buffalo Bayou Park.

    Graffiti Raw took inspiration from coastal destinations such as Big Sur, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. True to its name, the menu included raw items such as tartare and ceviche alongside classic fare such as steak frites, chicken schnitzel, and crab fried rice.

    “Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection — from shared meals to vibrant

    nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston. The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the

    guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience,” the company said in a statement.

    Big Vibe emphasizes that both Coppa Osteria and Flora “remain central to the company’s long-term vision, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and elevated hospitality.” It made a similar commitment to those concepts when it closed Gratify, a neighborhood bistro in Rice Village, back in 2024.

    Montrose has seen a number of openings and closings, with additions such as jazz supperclub Doc’s and wine shop/bar Montrose Grocer. Paulie’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years, will also close on December 31.

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