that's fat

'World's biggest pizza slice' Louisiana restaurant carves out 2nd Houston-area locale

30-inch pizzas arrive in Katy next month.

Courtesy of Fat Boy's Pizza

A Louisiana-based pizzeria has brought the “World’s Biggest Pizza Slice” to Katy. Fat Boy’s Pizza's second Houston-area location will open on December 5.

Located in the Katy Grand development near the intersection of I-10 and the Grand Parkway, the new Fat Boy’s will occupy approximately 3,800-square-feet with an 1,100-square-foot patio (23333 Grand Circle Blvd.). It joins an existing location in Richmond that opened in January.

The restaurant’s giant slices come from its signature 30-inch pies. More conventional 10 and 16-inch pizzas are also available. They’re joined on the menu by appetizers such as meatballs, mozzarella sticks, and wings.

Beverage options include a full selection of beer, wine, and cocktails, including to-go daiquiris by the gallon.

At time when many pizzerias are focused on to-go, Fat Boy’s makes dine-in more appealing. Each location also includes an arcade for children of all ages. As founder Gabe Corchiani explained on an episode of CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast, the restaurant prides itself on offering a higher level of service than typical casual restaurants.

"We're very service-oriented. We greet guests when they come in the door," he said. "You order from a menu board. We bring the food out to you. We make sure you get touched at least once out there to see if you need anything. We're friendly. That's what we bank on."

Fat Boy’s plans to open several locations throughout Houston. Next will be a restaurant in Sienna that’s scheduled for next summer, according to a release.

“We are thrilled to continue our expansion into the Houston market and plan to become a staple in the Katy community,” Fat Boy’s directior of Texas operations George Malek said in a statement. “Fat Boy’s Pizza is a fun, family-oriented concept that is thriving in Richmond, and we believe will have similar growth in Katy and the Houston area.”

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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.

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