Killen's Steakhouse Opens Doors to Second Location In The Woodlands

PEARLAND, Texas - May 2, 2019 - PRLog -- In 2006 after years working in high-end resorts and restaurants across the country, Ronnie Killen returned to his hometown of Pearland to open Killen's Steakhouse, the restaurant that would earn him critical praise as a talent to watch. Since then, the chef and restaurateur has blended his Le Cordon Bleu-London education and fine dining experience with his background in barbecue, Southern comfort food and Tex-Mex to launch Killen's Barbecue, Killen's Burgers, Killen's STQ and Killen's TMX. Along the way, he's built a loyal fan base along the way while distinguishing himself as a master of meat cookery. After years of requests by North Houston patrons, this month Killen's Restaurant Group expands to The Woodlands with a second location of Killen's Steakhouse now open at 1700 Research Forest Drive, formerly a Bob's Steak & Chop House. Led by Killen and Co-Owner and Beverage Director Deanna Killen, the team will execute its signature brand of relaxed yet impeccable hospitality and a menu anchored by world-class steaks and an award-winning wine program.

Though Killen wasn't specifically looking to open a North Houston venue—after all it's a 50-mile trek between the two steakhouses—when the opportunity arose, he found the venue too perfect to pass up. That, and The Woodlands and surrounding area—Conroe, Montgomery, Shenandoah—is booming. "It has a lot of growth potential," says Killen. "Why not be a part of it?"

Moving into the restaurant has been more or less a turnkey operation. Renovations have included minimal cosmetic updates, such as removing some of the dark wood paneling to lighten up the space, replacing the carpet and hanging Western-themed artwork by G. Harvey like those at the steakhouse in Pearland. Killen selected pieces from his personal collection of art featuring oil rigs as a nod to both The Woodlands proximity to oil and gas centers and his own father's forty-year career in the industry. The kitchen was already outfitted with top-of-the-line equipment but was the team installed the now standard Killen's additions of a barbecue pit and wood-burning grill. Wine storage was expanded to include a wine cellar and wine room. A private event space was also added.

In addition to the robust aged steak program, which features premium cuts, from USDA Prime Beef to Japanese Wagyu, the menu also includes Killen's classics, such as chicken fried steak, crab cakes and cherry-habanero glazed pork belly. Expect seasonal menu updates and nightly chef specials, as well as more wood-fired items and an exciting smoke program.

"When guests come in, we want them to get the same feeling as if they were in Pearland, but we don't want to duplicate it exactly," says Killen. The chef suggests the menu will fall somewhere between the original Killen's Steakhouse and the smoke-forward selections at Killen's STQ. "We'll want to eventually put other concepts in The Woodlands, so we're offering folks a wider range of tastes."

And of course, to accompany entrees, there will be incredible family-style sides such as Killen's famed creamed corn, mac 'and cheese and broccoli-rice casserole. Desserts will include Killen's signature oversized delights such as the croissant crème brûlée bread pudding, carrot cake and creamy cheesecake, alongside beautifully plated seasonal desserts by pastry chef Samantha Mendoza.

The sophisticated wine program will boast the same impressive selection of over 700 labels at both steakhouse locations. "The majority of the list is made up of small producers at a modest markup," says Deanna Killen. "There are bottles from $35 to $3000 and all were thoughtfully selected. A lot of times, they mirror our story, the little guy jumping into a business with a lot of established players and having to stand out." Handcrafted cocktails, an extensive whiskey list and local craft beers will also be available.

Killen's Steakhouse – The Woodlands is currently open for dinner only, Monday-Thursday, 5-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 5-10 p.m. After dinner is underway at Killen's Steakhouse – The Woodlands, evening hours will be expanded to include happy hour, featuring drink specials and a bar menu, with favorites like sliders and brisket nachos. Something the Pearland location does not offer that is planned for Killen's newest location is lunch service.

For more information, visit https://www.killenssteakhouse.com/ or follow Killen's Steakhouse on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.