Becks is back

River Oaks favorite burger joint reopens after renovations

An Upper Kirby burger institution will return to service this week. Becks Prime will reopen its original Kirby Drive location this Thursday, December 22 (2902 Kirby Dr).

First opened in 1985, the Kirby location needed a refresh after 37 years of continuous use. Changes include an all-new, 48-seat patio and a digital menu for drive-thru customers. Inside, customers will find wooden tables, new wallpaper, leather banquettes, and framed photographs from the restaurant’s history.

“Our classically designed restaurant had remained frozen in time for 37 years since first opening on Kirby in 1985 so it was time for a refresh while still holding onto reminders of where we started,” Becks Prime president Molly Voorhees said in a statement. “We have missed our neighbors in River Oaks and cannot wait to welcome everyone back just in time for the New Year.”

Becks Prime serves burgers made with beef that's ground fresh in-house and grilled over mesquite. A diverse menu that also includes salads, steaks, and sides like queso and guacamole has allowed the company to grow to nine Houston-area locations. In an appearance on CultureMap’s “What’s Eric Eating” podcast, Voorhees credited part of Becks Prime’s success to the restaurant's willingness to tailor an order as to suit each person's tastes.

"Something like 50 or 60 percent of the people who come in our doors customize some part of the meal . . . If you want two pieces of bacon, mustard on the top, prime sauce on the bottom, I want to put a hot dog in that sandwich instead of a burger, it's okay," she said. "Most of the time it comes out exactly as our customers like it. If it doesn't, bring it back to the counter, and we'll fix it. Becks does that well and always has, and our customers expect us to keep doing it, so you better not change a darn thing."

Beginning Thursday, the restaurant will be open daily from 11 am-10 pm. It will close at 4 pm on December 24 for Christmas Eve and be closed on Christmas Day.

Photo by Daniel Ortiz

Becks Prime will reopen its Kirby location this week.

openings burgers news-you-can-eat

a couple of jerks

Caribbean-spiced Houston fried chicken joint takes off with 2 new locations

Photo by Hungry AF Media

Southern Jerks is known for its Caribbean-spiced chicken and scratch-made sides.

Houston’s Caribbean-spiced fried chicken restaurant is taking flight. Southern Jerks will open two new locations before the end of the year.

They are:

North Houston at 111 Greens Rd
South Park at 12374 Martin Luther King Blvd.

Founded by chef Jabril Riddick and his brother Jordan, Southern Jerks is a fried chicken concept that’s known for its use of Caribbean spices. Alongside its wings and tenders, diners can opt for scratch-made sides such as dirty rice, collard greens, and mac and cheese. Chef Jabril has a long history in Houston, including leading the kitchen at Winsome Prime and creating the menu for Rockhouse Southern Kitchen.

“Houston has embraced Southern Jerks in a way that has allowed us to continue dreaming bigger for this brand,” Jabril Riddick said in a statement. “Opening two new locations is a huge milestone for us, but what makes it even more exciting is being able to bring Southern Jerks into new communities across the city. We want every location to have the same energy, flavor and hospitality our guests have come to expect from us.”

Despite its humble location in a gas station, the restaurant has earned consistent raves. Chris Shepherd featured it in a segment on his TV show Eat Like a Local.

The Greens Rd. location is expected to open in September. South Park will follow in October. Both locations will have more room for dine-in customers, which will enhance the experience compared to Southern Jerks’ current location. More locations are expected to open in the future.

“This isn't just about adding restaurants,” said Riddick. “We're building something that started here in Houston, and we want Southern Jerks to become a brand people across the city — and eventually beyond Houston — know and love.”

Photo by Hungry AF Media

Southern Jerks is known for its Caribbean-spiced chicken and scratch-made sides.

news-you-can-eat openings