The Woodlands, November 26, 2025
Lankford’s Grocery, a beloved Houston eatery, is set to open a new location in The Woodlands in January 2026. Known for its comfort food and famous burgers, Lankford’s continues to grow since its establishment in 1936. This expansion reflects the vibrant dining scene in The Woodlands and underscores the importance of local businesses in boosting the community’s economy. As new culinary offerings emerge in the area, Lankford’s aims to bring its signature flavor to a wider audience.
Lankford’s Grocery Expands to The Woodlands in 2026
A Beloved Houston Institution Is Set to Delight New Customers
Houston, Texas – Lankford’s Grocery, a cherished fixture in Houston’s culinary landscape since 1936, is poised to broaden its horizons with a new location in The Woodlands, opening in January 2026. This expansion not only marks an exciting growth phase for Lankford’s but also highlights the thriving restaurant scene in The Woodlands, known for embracing diverse dining options.
Established as a fruit stand and evolving into a grocery store and restaurant, Lankford’s original site at 88 Dennis St. in Midtown has been serving loyal customers for decades. The restaurant gained notable recognition in 2009, receiving a feature on the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” which boosted its popularity beyond the local community. Under the stewardship of Paul and Jessica Lankford since 2021, the establishment opened a second location in Bellaire, further establishing its reputation for American comfort food.
A Legacy of Flavor and Community Engagement
The expansion to The Woodlands will allow Lankford’s to introduce its renowned menu, particularly its famous burgers, to a new customer base. Among these culinary delights, the Firehouse burger stands out, featuring a robust combination of habanero sauce, cayenne butter, jalapeños, and fresh toppings that reflect the bold flavors customers have come to expect. This commitment to quality and regional American comfort food has reinforced Lankford’s dedication to culinary excellence and community engagement.
Exciting Developments in The Woodlands’ Dining Scene
The Woodlands has experienced significant growth in its dining options, further enhancing its reputation as a destination for food enthusiasts. Alongside Lankford’s, other anticipated openings include Bari Ristorante and a second location for Bar Bludorn, showcasing the area’s appeal to culinary innovation. This surge of new establishments signifies the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit present within the local community.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs and Economic Growth
The expansion of Lankford’s Grocery is not just a noteworthy event for food lovers, but a testament to the influence of small businesses in driving economic growth at the local level. The restaurant’s long-standing presence illustrates how limited regulation and a supportive business environment can enable entrepreneurs to thrive. By investing in another location, Lankford’s reinforces the critical role that local eateries play in supporting regional economies and fostering job creation.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
As we approach January 2026, the excitement surrounding Lankford’s new location continues to build. The establishment’s dedicated customer base can look forward to enjoying their favorite culinary creations in The Woodlands, further enriching the community’s dining experiences. This strategic expansion underscores the importance of supporting local businesses and recognizing their contributions to community development.
Conclusion
Lankford’s Grocery’s new location in The Woodlands is more than just a restaurant opening; it represents the entrepreneurial spirit, the resilience of small businesses, and the growing culinary culture that defines Texas. As the restaurant prepares to welcome new patrons, it reminds us of the value of supporting local enterprises. Engage with your community by visiting and championing local businesses like Lankford’s, which contribute to the vibrant economy of Houston and its surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Lankford’s Grocery?
Lankford’s Grocery is a Houston-based restaurant known for its regional American comfort food, particularly its burgers. Established in 1936, it has been a local favorite for nearly 90 years.
Where is the new Lankford’s location opening?
The new Lankford’s location is set to open at 24 Waterway Ave Suite 160 in The Woodlands, Texas, in January 2026.
What are some signature items on Lankford’s menu?
Signature items include the Firehouse burger, which features a beef patty topped with habanero sauce, cayenne butter, jalapeños, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion.
When did Lankford’s first gain national attention?
Lankford’s first gained national attention in 2009 when it was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”
Who owns Lankford’s Grocery?
Paul and Jessica Lankford took ownership of Lankford’s Grocery in 2021.
Key Features of Lankford’s Grocery Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Location | 24 Waterway Ave Suite 160, The Woodlands, Texas |
| Opening Date | January 2026 |
| Original Establishment | 1936 |
| Signature Menu Item | Firehouse burger |
| Ownership | Paul and Jessica Lankford since 2021 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
