STAFFORD, Texas – Order up! In-N-Out is coming to Houston.
The famous California-based burger chain is set to open in Stafford. But it’s just a small piece of a giant new development already under construction.
“This is a big deal,” said Stafford Mayor Leonard Scarcella.
The former Texas Instruments campus in Stafford is getting a big makeover, and it will include an In-N-Out Burger, long rumored to be coming to the Houston area but never quite making it official before now.
StreetLevel Investments broke ground as part of a press conference on Monday morning, revealing the old TI campus would be turned into a mixed-use development called "The Grid." It will feature stores, restaurants and entertainment. Fort Bend County and City of Stafford officials were on-hand for the announcement.
“You can see the new buildings that are going up and the community we’re creating is going to be walkable with pocket parks and dog parks and bike trails,” said Brian Murphy with Street Level Investments. “All the things that people look for nowadays.”
The old TI campus announced its closure in 2012 after 45 years, according to documents on Stafford website.
Photos: Old TI complex in Stafford getting a makeover
“The Grid” is on 192 acres previously part of the Texas Instruments site just off the Southwest Freeway. The retail, residential, and office development was celebrated Monday with a ceremonial groundbreaking.
Parts of the old Texas Instruments facility are being incorporated into the new development.
For example, one of two huge cooling units will become a food hall. Several buildings along Airport Boulevard are nearly finished, and some 2,400 new apartment units are going up nearby.
“It’s going to bring some much-needed residential and commercial development into our city,” Mayor Scarcella said. “We’re very pleased.”
Plenty of people are pleased about the In-N-Out Burger. Hundreds have reacted to the news on social media. But Whataburger faithful told us they’ll still prefer the Texas staple over a West Coast import.
“There’s room for everyone,” one customer said. “But Texas is known for Whataburger, so I’m sticking with that.”
Whataburger remains a far bigger chain with about 820 locations compared to In-N-Out’s 335.
In-N-Out already has locations in Austin and Dallas. The Stafford restaurant should open sometime in 2019.
In-N-Out Burger released the following statement:
"We do have a site we are working on in Stafford, TX at 'The Grid,' although the project is still in the early stages. We are excited about the opportunity to become a part of the vibrant Stafford community and the great new mixed-use project known as 'The Grid.'
"While we’re really enthusiastic about the site and the opportunity in Stafford, as I mentioned above, we’re still early in the process. Once we begin construction on a new restaurant, it usually takes us 5 to 6 months to build. We still have some work to do before we can start construction though so it’s not possible to predict timing for an opening just yet."
Partial list of confirmed businesses/restaurants coming to the complex:
Drive Shack
Drive Shack is a premier golf entertainment destination for players of
every level, featuring interactive golf games and a full drink and food
menu. Drive Shack will have its first Texas location at the Grid.
Whiskey Cake
Whiskey Cake serves craft cocktails and farm-fresh comfort food,
sourcing flavors, locally-grown ingredients and ideas straight from the
farm. This will be the third Whiskey Cake location in the Houston
area.
In-N-Out Burger
Known for being quick, simple and delicious, In-N-Out Burger
features fresh, never-frozen burgers, fresh hand-cut fries and real ice
cream shakes. The Grid location will be one of the earliest In-N-Outs
opening in and around Houston.
Luma Grove
An illuminated outdoor dining destination, Luma Grove will host
some of the region’s hottest culinary concepts around communal
patios, a beer garden, outdoor games, and lively entertainment. The
expansive outdoor dining area is shaded by large heritage oaks and
illuminated by dramatic specialty lighting.
Aloft Hotels / Element by Westin
A first-of-its-kind concept in the Houston area, Aloft Hotels and
Element by Westin have teamed up to present a co-branded hotel at
the Grid. The dual concept hotel will feature 234 total keys.
JLB Partners
The first phase of the Grid’s residential component includes an initial
380 units currently underway by JLB Partners. The urban residences
will feature fresh interior design, chef-style appliances and luxury
finishes, as well as amenities such as high-tech fitness centers and onsite
bike share stations.
CBRE
CBRE has been named the leasing partner for 500,000 square feet of
creative-focused office space. The Offices at Grid enjoy direct I-69
access, as well as plentiful and convenient parking. The Offices will
also have walkable access to a multitude of amenities.
Find out more about “The Grid” here.