News Summary
Brassica, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain from Ohio, is set to open its first Texas location in Houston at the Shoppes at San Felipe. Anticipated to open in early 2026, this expansion signifies Brassica’s growth strategy. The restaurant will offer a menu reflecting Lebanese heritage and feature customizable meals. Supported by a recent investment from Chipotle Mexican Grill, Brassica aims to meet the rising demand for Mediterranean cuisine in Houston.
Houston Welcomes Brassica Mediterranean Restaurant
Houston, Texas – Brassica, a Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant chain based in Ohio, is set to open its first location in Texas, marking a significant milestone for the restaurant’s expansion strategy. The new Houston site will be located at 1413 S Voss Rd. in Hunters Creek Village, within the Shoppes at San Felipe, a mixed-use retail development that spans over 40,000 square feet, anchored by a Whole Foods Market.
The anticipated opening is scheduled for early 2026. This will introduce Brassica to the vibrant Houston dining scene, which currently features a variety of Mediterranean options, including Cafe Pita, Shawarma House, Mezza Grille, and Levant BBQ. The nearest location of its competitor, Cava, is situated in Westchase, making Brassica a welcomed addition for those seeking fast-casual Mediterranean dining in the area.
Brassica was established in 2015 by Kevin, Katy, and Darren Malhame in Columbus, Ohio. Since then, the chain has expanded significantly, with a total of seven locations across Ohio. The restaurant has gained recognition for its high-quality meals, receiving accolades as one of the Hot Concepts winners by Nation Restaurant News, highlighting its impact within the dining community.
Menu and Dining Experience
Brassica’s menu is inspired by the Malhame family’s Lebanese heritage and features traditional Mediterranean ingredients, such as pita, hummus, and shawarma. This diverse offering allows customers to customize their meals, catering to various dietary preferences while maintaining a focus on freshness and organic ingredients. Their service model is similar to that of Chipotle, promoting a fast-casual dining experience that emphasizes efficiency without sacrificing quality.
The restaurant’s design philosophy aims to create a warm, inviting atmosphere, incorporating high-quality materials into the dining space. This ambiance is intended to foster a sense of community and comfort, enhancing the overall dining experience for patrons.
Background on Expansion and Investment
The decision to expand into the Texas market follows a recent minority investment from Chipotle Mexican Grill, part of its $100 million Cultivate Next venture fund, which assists promising restaurant concepts in scaling their operations. While the specifics behind selecting Houston for the expansion have not been disclosed, the investment is expected to bolster Brassica’s capacity to grow and meet the demands of a larger consumer base.
As Brassica prepares to enter the Houston market, the restaurant chain is poised to tap into the growing demand for Mediterranean cuisine in the region. With its commitment to customized, high-quality meals and a welcoming dining environment, Brassica aims to establish itself as a staple within the Houston food landscape.
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Additional Resources
- Chron: Houston Welcomes Brassica Mediterranean Restaurant
- Wikipedia: Mediterranean cuisine
- Nation’s Restaurant News: Meet Brassica
- Google Search: Brassica Mediterranean Restaurant
- WhatNow: Brassica’s New Ohio Location
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fast food
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF 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.
