Charolais and Bar Bludorn Arrive in The Woodlands — New Concepts from Two Acclaimed Texas Chefs
THE WOODLANDS, TX — Two of Texas’s most celebrated culinary talents are preparing to elevate The Woodlands dining scene. In 2026, Chef Austin Simmons and Chef Aaron Bludorn will debut new restaurant concepts in partnership with Howard Hughes Holdings, a move set to strengthen The Woodlands’ reputation as a premier lifestyle destination.
What’s New at Charolais and Bar Bludorn
Chef Austin Simmons, known for his work at TRIS, is launching Charolais, a beef-focused restaurant located at Restaurant Row in Hughes Landing. Scheduled to open in early 2026, the concept will spotlight Simmons’s genetics-driven cattle program, Chef Austin Wagyu, emphasizing sustainable practices and full oversight from pasture to plate. Simmons described Charolais as the culmination of his lifelong passion for elevating American beef through hands-on stewardship.
On the other side of The Woodlands, Chef Aaron Bludorn, acclaimed for his Houston establishments including Bludorn and Navy Blue, is expanding his reach with Bar Bludorn at 25 Waterway Avenue. Marking his first venture outside of central Houston, the restaurant is slated for a summer 2026 opening. Guests can expect a neighborhood tavern vibe, contemporary American bistro menus, and Texas-inspired flavors drawn from his flagship Montrose location.
Inside the Menu and Experience
Charolais is expected to reimagine the steakhouse experience with a genetics-based wagyu beef program, offering diners cuts that reflect Simmons’s vision of ultimate quality and sustainability. Meanwhile, Bar Bludorn will carry over favorites from Houston’s Montrose spot, with additions that capture local tastes, promising dishes like short rib sandwiches, fried chicken with peanut butter gravy, and inventive cocktails.
Author POV:
As someone who has followed both chefs’ careers closely, I find this pairing a perfect reflection of The Woodlands’ rising profile. Simmons’s passion for ranch-to-table wagyu and Bludorn’s knack for blending French-inspired cooking with Texan hospitality means locals won’t just get new restaurants — they’ll get experiences worth traveling for.
Community Buzz and What’s Next
Howard Hughes executives have described the arrival of Charolais and Bar Bludorn as “significant additions to the culinary landscape,” pointing to other recent developments like The Ritz-Carlton Residences and 1 Riva Row that signal The Woodlands’ growth as a high-end destination. Early chatter among Houston-area foodies suggests anticipation will be high, especially since many diners from The Woodlands already make the drive to Bludorn’s Houston restaurants.
Both restaurants are in early development stages, with designs and menus expected to be revealed in 2025. By 2026, The Woodlands is set to claim two marquee dining experiences, cementing its role as one of Texas’s top culinary hubs.
What’s your first choice when these spots open — a wagyu ribeye at Charolais or a craft cocktail at Bar Bludorn? Share your plans in the comments, and keep following CityScoopNow.com for updates on Texas’s newest restaurant openings.