Longview, February 16, 2026
Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails, a popular Tyler establishment, is set to expand to Longview, Texas. The new location is expected to open by August 2026, reflecting a growing entrepreneurial spirit in East Texas. With a $950,000 investment, the restaurant will add 1,852 square feet to its existing space, offering modern American cuisine and a diverse menu. This expansion highlights the broader trend of economic growth and innovation throughout Texas, further invigorating the local restaurant scene.
Longview’s expanding culinary scene is set to welcome a new addition as Tyler’s renowned Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails confirms its plans for a new location in the city. This expansion highlights the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and economic dynamism flourishing across East Texas, reflecting a broader trend of growth and innovation seen throughout the Lone Star State, including metropolitan areas like Houston.
The decision by Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails to invest in Longview underscores the attractiveness of Texas for businesses seeking to expand and thrive. This move aligns with a statewide environment that often champions limited regulation and fosters a climate where small businesses can pursue personal achievement and contribute significantly to local economies. Such entrepreneurial ventures are crucial drivers of job creation and economic prosperity, echoing the growth observed in other key Texas economic hubs.
East Texas Culinary Landscape Evolves with New Arrivals
Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails, a popular establishment known for its modern American cuisine, diverse menu, and extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon, is set to begin construction on its Longview location on March 1, 2026. The new restaurant is expected to open by August 1, 2026. This marks the second location for the Tyler-based business and represents a significant investment of $950,000 to expand an existing 5,625-square-foot restaurant by an additional 1,852 square feet at 322 East Hawkins Parkway.
The expansion of Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails is part of a larger trend of new businesses choosing to establish or grow their presence in East Texas. Longview, in particular, has seen a flurry of activity. Other recent developments include local restaurateur Ardian Marevci’s plans to open a martini bar adjacent to his Roma’s Italian Kitchen in downtown Longview. Additionally, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is coming to Longview, and a Sprouts Farmers Market is anticipated to open on October 31 at 2547 Judson Road. The city of Longview also received an application for a development on Loop 281.
Growth and Resilience in the Texas Restaurant Industry
The restaurant industry across Texas is a significant economic engine, generating over $100 billion in annual sales and employing more than a million people. This robust growth is fueled by a rapidly increasing population and a diverse market spanning urban and suburban areas. Texas is home to more than 57,000 restaurant establishments, ranking second nationwide after California. The sector serves as the largest private-sector employer in Texas, with approximately 1.4 million Texans employed in foodservice, accounting for nearly 11% of the state’s workforce. A notable characteristic of the Texas restaurant landscape is the dominance of small businesses, with 91% of establishments operating with fewer than 50 employees.
The National Restaurant Association estimates that restaurant sales nationwide will reach a record-breaking $1.1 trillion by the end of 2024, with Texas restaurants contributing significantly to this growth. This resilience is particularly evident as companies increasingly choose Texas for expansion, attracted by a pro-business climate, strategic infrastructure, and growing communities. Factors such as the absence of a state income tax, comparatively lower business costs, and a substantial labor pool contribute to Texas’s appeal for corporate headquarters and investments.
Entrepreneurial Innovation Driving Local Economies
The expansion of Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails exemplifies the entrepreneurial innovation that is vital for local economic growth. The restaurant, owned by East Texas restaurateur Scott Williams, has cultivated a strong following in Tyler for its modern American cuisine, brunch, and handcrafted cocktails. This kind of success, born from individual vision and dedication, is a hallmark of the free enterprise system, allowing businesses to flourish and enrich their communities with diverse offerings. The menu at Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails is described as a blend of contemporary American cuisine with global influences, featuring signature cooking techniques such as wood-grilling and slow-roasting. They offer inclusive dietary options, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.
Beyond restaurants, other sectors in East Texas are also experiencing growth. The Headless Librarian, a unique bookstore, is expanding with a new storefront in Downtown Tyler. Longview has also seen the grand opening of RocketFast Car Wash, which is expanding along the Interstate 20 corridor. The Tyler-based Mentoring Alliance has also expanded its programs to Longview.
Connecting East Texas Growth to Houston’s Economic Future
While Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails’ expansion is regional, its success reflects the broader economic currents that benefit all of Texas, including Houston. Houston, recognized as a global economic powerhouse and a leader in job creation, shares a similar pro-business environment that encourages such entrepreneurial endeavors. The Greater Houston region continues to attract businesses with its competitive tax rates, robust infrastructure, and a diverse, skilled workforce. Houston’s position as the nation’s fourth-largest city and a hub for innovation means that economic vitality in any part of Texas contributes to the overall strength of the state, creating a positive feedback loop for all Texas TX entrepreneurs.
The Deep East Texas region, which includes counties such as Angelina, Nacogdoches, Shelby, San Augustine, and Sabine, has strong connections with the Houston metropolitan area. Houston serves as both a significant source of new residents moving to Deep East Texas and a major destination for those leaving the region. This interconnectedness highlights how growth in East Texas can directly or indirectly impact the Houston TX business landscape and vice versa, demonstrating the importance of a flourishing statewide economy.
The continuous development of diverse businesses in East Texas underscores the state’s economic resilience and the benefits of an environment that empowers individuals and small businesses. Houston small business owners and entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from these regional successes, recognizing that a supportive economic climate allows for innovation and expansion across various industries.
The expansion of Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails to Longview, alongside other new business ventures throughout East Texas, paints a picture of a region experiencing significant economic vitality. These developments are not isolated events but rather part of a larger narrative of Texas’s sustained growth, driven by entrepreneurial spirit, private investment, and a commitment to fostering a favorable business climate. For HEREhouston.com readers, this regional growth serves as a testament to the statewide economic momentum that ultimately strengthens all of Texas. We encourage our readers to continue supporting local businesses and remain engaged in the economic future that shapes our communities and the entire state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails?
Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails is a popular establishment from Tyler, Texas, known for its modern American cuisine, diverse menu, and extensive selection of whiskey and bourbon.
Where is Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails expanding?
Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails is expanding to Longview, Texas.
When will the new Longview location for Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails open?
Construction for the new Longview location is scheduled to begin on March 1, 2026, with an expected opening by August 1, 2026.
What kind of investment is involved in the Longview expansion?
The expansion involves a $950,000 project to add 1,852 square feet to an existing 5,625-square-foot restaurant at 322 East Hawkins Parkway.
What other businesses are opening or expanding in East Texas?
Other businesses expanding in East Texas include The Headless Librarian bookstore in Downtown Tyler, a martini bar by local restaurateur Ardian Marevci in downtown Longview, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers in Longview, and a Sprouts Farmers Market in Longview.
What is the overall economic outlook for the restaurant industry in Texas?
The restaurant industry in Texas generates over $100 billion in annual sales, employs more than a million people, and is the largest private-sector employer in the state. Nationwide, restaurant sales are projected to reach a record-breaking $1.1 trillion by the end of 2024.
Key Features of Twelve Kitchen + Cocktails’ Longview Expansion
| Feature | Detail | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Original Location | Tyler, Texas | State-level |
| Expansion Location | Longview, Texas | State-level |
| Cuisine Type | Modern American | N/A |
| Investment for Expansion | $950,000 | N/A |
| New Construction Start Date | March 1, 2026 | N/A |
| Expected Opening Date | August 1, 2026 | N/A |
| Expansion Size | 1,852 square feet added to existing 5,625 square feet | N/A |
| Known For | Diverse menu, extensive whiskey and bourbon selection, brunch | N/A |
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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.
