Houston, December 19, 2025
NBA legends Kevin Durant and Shaquille O’Neal are making significant investments in the Texas dining industry, with Durant planning to open the upscale Austin Sports Club in Downtown Austin and O’Neal expanding his Big Chicken chain across Texas. These endeavors highlight the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit in the state’s culinary sector, contributing to economic growth and job creation. Despite challenges faced by other ventures, the overall environment continues to foster innovation and local business expansion.
Houston: NBA Superstars Invest in Texas Dining
Texas’s dynamic economy continues to attract significant investment and entrepreneurial spirit, even from the world of professional sports. Across the state, NBA luminaries are demonstrating a keen eye for business opportunities, particularly within the flourishing culinary sector. These ventures highlight individual achievement and contribute to the vibrant economic landscape that makes Texas, and specifically Houston, a hub for innovation and growth.
The spirit of free enterprise and the opportunities presented by a robust local economy are clearly appealing to high-profile figures. Their willingness to invest their capital and personal brands into new dining experiences underscores the state’s attractiveness for entrepreneurs looking to build and expand. These endeavors, whether opening new establishments or expanding existing chains, inject capital, create jobs, and enrich the cultural fabric of our communities.
Kevin Durant’s Vision: Austin Sports Club
One notable development is Houston Rockets player Kevin Durant’s plan to launch a new upscale dining and sports bar concept, the Austin Sports Club, in Downtown Austin. Slated to open in Spring 2026, the restaurant is envisioned as a “timeless restaurant reimagined for the modern athlete, executive and tastemaker”. This venture reflects a blending of luxury dining with immersive sports culture, aiming to create a unique experience for patrons.
Durant, an NBA All-Star, brings a strong personal connection to Austin, having played for the Texas Longhorns during the 2006-2007 season. His continued engagement with the city, including a substantial $3 million donation to the University of Texas for a practice facility in 2018, demonstrates a long-term commitment beyond the basketball court. The Austin Sports Club will be located at 205 E. Third St. in the former J. Prime location, a prime downtown Austin real estate spot. The project involves a collaboration between Durant’s Boardroom Hospitality, Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia, and Austin-based Lobos Hospitality, a team known for local favorites like Toasty Badger and The Powder Room. The menu for the Austin Sports Club is currently under development.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken Expansion in Texas
Another prominent NBA legend expanding his entrepreneurial footprint in the Lone Star State is Shaquille O’Neal. His “Big Chicken” restaurant chain is making significant inroads, with plans to open 50 locations across Texas, including key markets such as Houston TX business, San Antonio, and Dallas. A Big Chicken outpost recently opened in Fort Worth in September 2024, signaling the aggressive expansion strategy within the state.
Shaq’s move back to Texas, where he now resides in North Dallas, further solidifies his investment in the state’s economic landscape. The Big Chicken concept focuses on popular comfort food, offering chicken sandwiches, Cheez-It crusted mac and cheese, and handcrafted shakes. The menu aims to combine O’Neal’s childhood favorites with contemporary trending flavors, providing a distinctive fast-casual dining experience. This expansion represents a substantial private investment that will create numerous job opportunities and contribute to local economies, including Houston, fostering economic growth across various neighborhoods.
The Broader Texas Restaurant Scene: Innovation and Resilience
These high-profile investments by NBA stars reflect a broader trend of entrepreneurial innovation thriving in the Texas culinary scene. The state’s business-friendly environment and growing population continue to attract diverse restaurant concepts, from upscale dining to fast-casual chains. This competitive landscape encourages creativity and resilience among Texas TX entrepreneurs.
However, the restaurant industry, like any other entrepreneurial endeavor, also presents its share of challenges. For instance, the Houston restaurant “Thirteen,” associated with former Houston Rockets star James Harden, faced difficulties and was shut down in September 2025 due to over $2 million in unpaid rent and other related costs. This incident underscores the importance of sound business management and the financial realities of operating in a competitive market, even for ventures backed by prominent figures. Despite these challenges, the overall climate in Texas remains conducive to new business formation and expansion, empowering Houston small business owners and larger investors alike.
Community Impact and Economic Vibrancy
The involvement of such well-known personalities in the Texas restaurant industry extends beyond just financial investment; it brings significant attention and adds to the cultural vibrancy of the state. These ventures create local jobs, from kitchen staff to management, and stimulate demand for local suppliers, contributing to a healthy ecosystem of Midlands economic growth. They also often become community gathering spots, enhancing local amenities and drawing visitors, which can have a ripple effect on surrounding businesses.
The entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by these NBA stars is a testament to the opportunities available in Texas. The state’s approach to limited regulation and support for private enterprise creates an environment where individuals can pursue their business visions, contributing to a diverse and expanding economy. Supporting these ventures, alongside other local establishments, is crucial for sustaining this growth and ensuring Houston remains a leading city for innovation and quality of life.
The continuous flow of private investment into diverse sectors, including hospitality, underscores the confidence in Texas’s economic future. As these restaurants open their doors, they will not only offer new culinary experiences but also stand as symbols of personal achievement and the collective effort to build a prosperous community for everyone.
Conclusion
The burgeoning interest of NBA superstars like Kevin Durant and Shaquille O’Neal in the Texas restaurant scene underscores the state’s appeal for entrepreneurial ventures. With Durant planning the Austin Sports Club and Shaq’s Big Chicken expanding across major Texas cities including Houston, these investments signify a vibrant period for the state’s culinary and business landscape. While challenges exist, as seen with some past ventures, the overall environment fosters innovation and offers significant opportunities for economic contribution and community enrichment.
We encourage our readers to support the local establishments that contribute to Houston’s unique character and economic vitality. Stay engaged with Houston’s evolving business scene as new ventures continue to shape our city’s future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What new restaurant is Kevin Durant opening in Texas?
- Houston Rockets player Kevin Durant is planning to launch an upscale dining and sports bar concept called Austin Sports Club in Downtown Austin.
- Where will Kevin Durant’s Austin Sports Club be located?
- The Austin Sports Club will be located at 205 E. Third St. in Downtown Austin, at the site of the former J. Prime location.
- When is Kevin Durant’s Austin Sports Club expected to open?
- The Austin Sports Club is slated to open in Spring 2026.
- What is the concept of Kevin Durant’s Austin Sports Club?
- The Austin Sports Club is envisioned as a “timeless restaurant reimagined for the modern athlete, executive and tastemaker” and blends “luxury dining with immersive sports culture”.
- Is Shaquille O’Neal opening restaurants in Texas?
- Yes, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is expanding his “Big Chicken” restaurant chain with plans to open 50 locations across Texas, including Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas.
- Has a Big Chicken location by Shaquille O’Neal already opened in Texas?
- Yes, a Big Chicken outpost recently opened in Fort Worth in September 2024.
- What kind of food does Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken offer?
- Big Chicken offers chicken sandwiches, Cheez-It crusted mac and cheese, and handcrafted shakes, combining O’Neal’s childhood favorites with trending flavors.
Key Features of NBA Star Restaurant Ventures in Texas
| NBA Star | Restaurant Name | Concept/Cuisine | Location in Texas | Status/Opening | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kevin Durant | Austin Sports Club | Upscale dining & sports bar, luxury dining with immersive sports culture | Downtown Austin | Slated for Spring 2026 | Venture by current Houston Rockets player with strong Austin ties |
| Shaquille O’Neal | Big Chicken | Fast-casual, chicken sandwiches, mac and cheese, shakes | Houston, San Antonio, Dallas (50 locations planned State-level) | Opened in Fort Worth Sept 2024, extensive State-level expansion underway | Large-scale franchise expansion across Texas by NBA Hall of Famer |
| James Harden | Thirteen | Upscale, elevated dining with Cajun/Japanese flair | Midtown Houston | Shut down Sept 2025 due to unpaid rent (Local Houston) | Example of business challenges in the competitive restaurant industry |
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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.
