feel the heat

South African grilled chicken chain opens new Houston location in Montrose

The wait is over for the Montrose location of Nando’s Peri-Peri. The South Africa-based grilled chicken restaurant has opened its third Houston-area outpost for lunch and dinner.

Located in the historic Tower Theater complex at 1201 Westheimer, the new Nando’s follows the same formula as the restaurant’s existing Houston-area locations in Uptown and Katy. It serves the Nando’s signature chicken, which is marinated for 24 hours in peri-peri and other spices.

Diners may order their chicken as bowls made with Portuguese rice and vegetables; the Nandocas Choice, a butterflied chicken breast served over garlic bread with coleslaw; a half-chicken with fries; as well as skewers, salads, and wraps. Different spice levels cater to diners’ tolerance for heat.

As it does for all of its locations, Nando’s filled the interior with artwork sourced from the company’s Creative Block program in partnership with the Spier Arts Trust. Look for a textural installation above the bar, a striking South African mural near the entrance, and eye-catching furniture.

"The love Houston has shown us has been incredible, so opening a third Nando’s here felt like the natural next step in our growth," said Nando’s CEO Kimberly Grant. "Montrose has that perfect mix of culture, energy, and soul — and setting up a beautifully designed space in the iconic Tower Theater block just felt right. We’re fired up to bring our flame-grilled peri-peri chicken to one of the most vibrant corners of Houston."

Houston developer Radom Capital purchased the Tower Theater complex and adjacent properties at 1111 Westheimer in 2024. The theater, once home to restaurants such as El Real Tex-Mex Cafe and Acme Oyster Co., will house Doc Houston’s, a jazz club from the owners of San Antonio’s Jazz, TX, that’s expected to open in late 2025.

Photo by Michael Anthony

Nando's opened its Montrose location on July 29.

openings news-you-can-eat nando's peri-peri

true to forme

Beard-recognized Houston chef's rooftop restaurant now open in Midtown

Photo by Rebekah Flores

The Branch serves breakfast daily.

A two-time James Beard Award finalist has opened his latest project. The Branch, a new concept from chef Chris Williams, officially opens this Thursday, October 1.

Part of Williams’ Lucille’s Hospitality Group, The Branch is intended to be a wellness-focused concept that utilizes seasonal ingredients and a rotating raw bar. Located on the 12th floor of the Forme, a luxury high-rise at 5501 La Branch, the 20,000-square-foot space offers both dining and lounge spaces along with a rooftop patio. It’s open for breakfast daily along with lunch and dinner Thursday-Sunday.

In the morning, diners may opt for the Harvest Table, a $20, Continental-style breakfast that includes pastries, a yogurt and honey bar, cheese, charcuterie, and fresh fruit. A la carte selections consist of staples such as chilaquiles, avocado and tuna toast, a crab cake Benedict, a Southwest omelet (black beans, corn, and avocado topped with pico de gallo, crema, and arugula salad), and more.

At lunch and dinner, the raw bar menu starts with a daily crudo special, oysters with bourbon mignonette, a tuna toastada, shrimp cocktail, and more. From there, diners turn to the “Fresh & Pressed” section of sandwiches, including Williams’ take on a club, Cuban, and a vegetarian pressed sandwich. Salads, wings, cheese, and charcuterie round out the daytime selections.

They’re paired with a number of house cocktails, beer, and wines by-the-glass. Two desserts complete the experience. Many of the cocktails are low ABV and can be made spirit-free.

Lucille’s Hospitality Group is known for its Southern-inspired Museum District restaurant Lucille’s and Lucille’s 1913, a nonprofit that operates farms that provide access to fresh food in underserved areas.

“We’re excited to partner with The Forme,” Williams said in a statement. “It’s not only an opportunity to utilize our culinary toolkit through room service and an entirely different dining experience across the street from Lucille’s, but it’s also another opportunity to create equity in one of the country’s most dynamic culinary cities. The space itself is truly special, with some of the best views in Houston and a setting unlike anything else in the city. We’re excited to create an experience that complements the neighborhood that has been our home for the past 17 years.”

The Forme is a 33-story high-rise that’s focused on wellness, productivity, and community. In addition to The Branch, its amenities include a 20,000-square-foot fitness and recovery area, a 9,000-square-foot outdoor pool deck with pool and expansive hot tub, and 20,000 square feet of flexible coworking space.

Photo by Rebekah Flores

The Branch serves breakfast daily.