bigger, better burger chan

Houston's most customizable burger joint is coming to the Heights in May

Burger Chan is coming to the Heights.

Photo by Terence Tang

One of Houston’s best burger joints will soon open a second location. Burger Chan is coming to the Heights.

The restaurant has claimed the former Be More Pacific space at 506 Yale St. for a new location that’s expected to open in May. Partners Roveen Abante and Ryan Stewart, who acquired a majority of the restaurant from founders Diane and Willet Feng last year, said they received an overwhelming number of customer requests for a Heights location.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the customers who participated in our poll and shared their thoughts,” Stewart said about the results of an online poll. “Their feedback confirmed what we were already feeling: the Heights is the right next step for Burger Chan.”

Thankfully, Abante and Stewert confirm that the new Burger Chan will serve the exact same menu as the Galleria-area location that opened in 2019. The build-your-own format allows diners to create their perfect combo from two patty sizes, four buns, four cheeses, and more than a dozen vegetables and sauces, including favorites like charred jalapenos, sambal mayo, and scallion aioli.

In a 2023 clip that’s been viewed more than 300,000 times, YouTube food star Mike Chen created a burger topped with 17 ingredients. Houston influencer Shawn the Food Sheep ranks Burger Chan as his favorite in Houston.

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“For longtime fans, nothing about the food is changing,” Abante added. “We’re bringing the full burgerchan experience to the Heights … just in a bigger space with a few new ways to enjoy it. Our goal is to build an amazing and scalable brand while retaining the original vision of Willet and Diane. They built something great and we just want everyone to experience it.”

Since the new location is larger than the Galleria-area store, it will have a dedicated bar area, complete with cocktails and happy hour. It will also sport a new logo that will guide Burger Chan’s identity for this location and beyond.

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adios for now

Mole-obsessed Mexican restaurant sets closing date for Kirby location

Photo by Brandon Holmes

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The ongoing saga of Houston Mexican restaurant Picos has taken another turn. The restaurant will close its current location on August 30, 2026.

In a lengthy message posted to Facebook, chef-owner Arnaldo Richards says that the property at 3601 Kirby Dr. has been sold to developers for a future high-rise project. He and his family continue to search for a new location that will allow the restaurant to continue operating, although so far the search hasn’t produced any results.

“My family and I want to emphasize that this is not a goodbye, but rather a transition as we work to secure the right location for the next chapter of our family legacy. Our goal was to move seamlessly to a new space without interruption; however, that timeline depends on securing and remodeling the right location,” Richards writes.

Richards opened the first location of Picos in Southwest Houston in 1984, quickly earning a following for serving dishes inspired by Mexico’s seven regions. In particular, fans hailed the restaurant’s different moles, enchiladas, and other flavorful fare. It also served its signature shaker margaritas — made with freshly squeezed lime juice and good tequila — at a time when many restaurants still used sweet and sour mix.

In 2014, Picos reininvented itself by moving to its current location at 3601 Kirby Drive. The expansive location featured an all-new interior with design elements imported from Mexico, a dedicated bar area, and a private dining room stocked with spirit lockers which the restaurant’s most loyal customers could stock with the favorite bottles.

Richards first announced the restaurant would close in August 2025. After an enthusiastic response, Richards delayed the closure until this year.

Thankfully, fans have plenty of time to make their final visits to Picos, including for holidays such as Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day.

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