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Houston’s Rodeo Season: Local Restaurants Face Challenges

Local restaurants in Houston strive to attract customers during the busy rodeo season.

News Summary

As Houston’s rodeo season draws crowds to the city, local restaurants are feeling the pinch. Despite the economic influx, many eateries report significant drops in revenue as the season progresses. Business owners grapple with rising costs, competition from carnival food, and the effects of recent storms. Creative solutions, such as happy hour deals and unique events, are emerging to attract patrons after rodeo festivities, but the future remains uncertain. Owners hope for a turnaround come April, as they navigate the complex dynamics of the season.

Houston’s Rodeo Season: A Double-Edged Sword for Local Restaurants

Ah, springtime in Houston! With the echo of the rodeo in the air and the city abuzz with excitement, you’d think business would be booming for local eateries. But for many of Houston’s cherished, locally-owned restaurants, the reality of the rodeo season is much more complicated. While the annual Houston Rodeo brings in hundreds of millions in economic impact for the city, it often skews the business landscape for restaurants trying to thrive amid the festivities.

Rodeo Season Blues

Many restaurant owners brace themselves come March, as they anticipate slumping sales. For instance, last year, Auden, a popular local spot, saw its revenue dip a staggering 20% during its first rodeo season. Fast forward to this year, and the challenges have intensified, with chef-owner Kirthan Shenoy reporting a drop of 30-40% in weekend revenue. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when you consider that the beginning of the year is already hard for restaurants, thanks to things like Dry January and that post-holiday slump.

Sure, there’s a brief glimmer of hope with Valentine’s Day in February, but once rodeo season kicks in, the hope rapidly dissipates. With the work that goes into making Valentine’s Day great, it’s heartbreaking for restaurant owners to watch the numbers tumble just a few weeks later. For these business owners, not only does a good February matter, but they’re also anxiously eyeing April—hoping that the tide will turn again. The added layers of financial pressure, spurred by rising costs and shrinking consumer spending in the wake of the pandemic, only muddy the waters further for owners already operating with thin margins.

Weathering the Storm

Mother Nature hasn’t been a friend either, with storms like last year’s derecho and hurricanes dropping another weight on the shoulders of local eateries. It’s no surprise that dozens of restaurants have closed their doors in the opening months of 2025 in Houston. Many owners reflect on how challenging it has become to run their businesses profitably, despite the festive season surrounding them.

Competing with Carnival Cuisine

Adding to the tension is the reality that the rodeo often lures crowds away from traditional dining spots and into the embrace of carnival food and exciting rides. Not only does this divert potential customers, but it heightens the stress for restaurant owners, many of whom have felt the pressure mounting over the years.

In an effort to combat the challenges posed by the rodeo, creative solutions are popping up. Chef Ryan Lachaine of Riel has implemented enticing happy hour deals in a bid to reel in customers after the rodeo festivities wind down for the day. Likewise, restaurant owners are getting strategic, conjuring up unique events and specials to attract patrons looking to indulge after the day’s events.

Proximity Effects

Interestingly, the layout of Houston plays a vital role in determining which restaurants are riding the wave of success during rodeo season. Venues situated near the rodeo grounds, like Hungry’s, often see a boost as crowds in search of a hearty meal either head out pre-game or drop by post-event. Hungry’s Rice Village location, in particular, tends to perform better than its other spots during this time of year, capitalizing on the influx of people around the rodeo.

Looking Ahead

As the days of the rodeo stretch on, restaurant owners are looking forward to when the festivities fade—eagerly anticipating more stable financial ground. It’s a peculiar balance to strike: enjoying the energy of the rodeo season while grappling with the financial pressures it brings. For many, the once bright spark of the season is dimmed by nagging doubts about their businesses’ futures. Yet, the tenacity of these local restaurants continues to shine through—despite the hardships they face!