Shepard Ross Moves On

Pax Americana owner splits from one of fall's most anticipated restaurants, but it's amicable

Shepard Ross has left Studewood Hospitality Group to focus on Pax Americana and other projects.

Courtesy photo

One of fall's most anticipated restaurants has separated with one of its founding partners in the run-up to opening, but both the restaurant and the restaurateur promise that everything is amicable.

"We are thrilled to see The Del on your most anticipated fall openings list," the restaurant's publicist wrote in an email Tuesday. "I just wanted to clarify that Shepard Ross is no longer involved with the Studewood Hospitality Group restaurants. We parted amicably and he’s focusing his efforts on his other ventures, which includes Pax Americana."

This news came as a surprise, since Ross had always been the public face of Studewood Hospitality, which also owns Glass Wall in The Heights and Brooklyn Athletic Club in Montrose. CultureMap turned to Ross for some insight into the decision to depart from Studewood.

"I've been focusing my time on Pax Americana the last three months (and have) other, upcoming projects up my sleeve, of course," Ross writes in a message. "I'm also expanding on my company, MadCat Wine Cellars with new vintages and additional varietals which will expand into two more markets (states) this year."

Restaurant focus

Although Ross adds that he's been assisting with the transition at both Glass Wall and Brooklyn Athletic Club and supporting The Del as it prepares to open, it's clear that Pax Americana, the Montrose restaurant he opened with chef Adam Dorris in 2014 that's emerged as one of the city's most well-regarded establishments, has dominated his focus.

"Pax Americana is the most personal hospitality project I've ever undertaken, and I'm excited to go into our second year with the hope that we get better, every day. Adam Dorris, my brother from another mother, continues to inspire me, daily, with his creativity, vision and true passion for food," he writes.

Jon Wilson, a 12-year veteran of Pappas Restaurants, has assumed the role of chief operating officer for Studewood.

"The operational skills a restaurant manager builds working for the Pappas organization are second to none," Wilson said in a statement. "With that experience, I’m confident I can help elevate the quality of SHG’s operations to better mirror the award-winning cuisine chefs Jorge Rodriguez (GW) and Will Gilchriest (BAC) have been creating and serving our loyal patrons for years now."

Look for Wilson to make his mark with The Del's opening, which should be coming soon.

Although his path may have diverged from Studewood's, Ross hints that he has at least one more new restaurant up his sleeve. "Houston continues to be such a supportive community for innovative restaurants, and I will continue to develop concepts that represent the spirit of true hospitality and that offer unique dining experiences for everyone to enjoy," Ross writes.

the-heights wine

stay trill

Third location of Bun B's smash hit smash burger joint sets opening date

Photo by Quit Nguyen

Bun B is ready to sell burgers and lemonade in Missouri City.

One of Houston’s most celebrated burger joints has arrived in Fort Bend County. Trill Burgers will open its new Missouri City location this Wednesday, December 10.

Located at 20220 Fort Bend Pkwy, the new Trill Burgers joins the restaurant’s existing outposts on Shepherd Dr. and in Spring. A fourth location will open next year near the intersection of Westheimer Rd. and Hillcroft Dr.

The 2,800-square-foot restaurant sports the brand’s familiar yellow-and-black color scheme. A custom mural by Houston artist Jeks One pays homage to Houston rapper Z-Ro, known for his song “Mo City Don.” It will seat 92 people and also offer a drive-thru lane for speedy to-go ordering.

“This part of Houston is near and dear to me, so bringing our hometown restaurant to such a special place means more than I could ever say,” co-founder Bun B said in a statement. “The Trill Burgers team loves the city of Houston, and we are incredibly grateful for each and every opportunity we get to bring our burgers to more members of our community. I hope to see everyone at Trill Burgers Missouri City soon.”

Available as either a beef or vegan patty, Trill Burgers serves a classic smash burger that’s topped with cheese, pickles, onions, and Trill sauce, a tangy, Thousand Island-style dressing that ties it all together. The combination has been a hit, earning a prize on Good Morning America even before the restaurant opened and drawing a steady stream of celebrities such as Drake, Mike Tyson, and Texans legend Andre Johnson.

The new Trill Burgers will also serve Trill Lemonade. First introduced at the 2025 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the lemonade will be served as classic, strawberry, and mixed with iced tea in an Arnold Palmer.

First introduced at the 2021 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards, Trill Burgers is owned by Houston hip-hop legend Bun B in partnership with publicist Nick Scurfield and California restaurateur Andy Nguyen. It opened its first brick and mortar location in June 2023. It also operates concession stands at NRG Stadium, Shell Energy Stadium, and TDECU Stadium at the University of Houston.

A grand opening celebration for the Missouri City location is scheduled for January 7, 2026. Press materials promise “special menu surprises.”

Trill Burgers opens daily at 11 am.