Sure, the rumors which were circulating on social media for a few weeks are true. Killen’s Steakhouse has closed its location in The Woodlands, efficient instantly.
Regardless of all of the social media chatter in regards to the impending closure, chef-owner Ronnie Killen has remained silent — till now. Talking solely to CultureMap, Killen shared the the reason why he and his enterprise associate Deedee Killen offered the constructing at 1700 Analysis Forest Dr. to the homeowners of Brazilian steakhouse Avenida Brazil. Out of concern the deal may crumble on the final minute, Killen waited to remark till all events had signed the ultimate settlement and cash had modified fingers.
Merely put, after opening in The Woodlands in 2019, working eating places within the bustling suburb has misplaced its luster. With the steakhouse offered, Killen says he’s additionally listed The Woodlands location of Killen’s Barbecue on the market in an effort to divest from the realm.
“With our branding and our title, we’ve completed properly. The eating places earn cash,” Killen says.
Regardless of that monetary success, the eating places started working with out his direct supervision, as a collection of well being challenges made it more and more tough for Killen to make the hour-plus drive to The Woodlands from his dwelling in Pearland.
“Up to now 4 years with my accidents and well being points, it made it the place I didn’t prefer to drive on the market. That made the choice [to sell] lots simpler,” he says.
As well as, the areas weren’t working with the extent of consistency that the chef wished. Slimming down his operations to 2 areas of Killen’s Barbecue (Pearland and Cypress), the Pearland areas of Killen’s Steakhouse and Killen’s Burger, and Washington Avenue consolation meals restaurant Killen’s will permit him to focus his consideration on making every restaurant one of the best it may be.
“I need to get again to being one of the best at what we do. When you’ve gotten too many areas, even when you’ve got the identical recipes, 5 folks will cook dinner them 5 alternative ways,” he says.
Already, Killen has been spending extra time at Killen’s, which earned a Bib Gourmand award within the Michelin Information. He’s rolled out new specials equivalent to forged iron fried rooster and retrained the restaurant’s cooks to make sure they’re working to his requirements.
Down in Pearland, the unique Killen’s Steakhouse has been upgraded with a brand new dry growing older cupboard that Killen imported from Europe and a wood-burning grill that may permit the restaurant so as to add a number of the hottest dishes from Killen’s STQ, the chef’s reside fireplace steakhouse that closed final yr. With these upgrades — paired with the steakhouse’s already sturdy wagyu beef choices, signature sides and desserts, and intensive wine checklist — Killen hopes the steakhouse will garner a recent look from Michelin’s inspectors.
“Once we didn’t get something for the steakhouse, I used to be pissed off. That is my namesake restaurant that I’ve had for nearly 20 years,” he says. “I need to be the primary steakhouse in Texas that will get an award. That’s what I’m in search of. I need to get again to placing out the product we are able to get our fingers on.”
He’s additionally wanting ahead to opening the Interest Airport location of Killen’s Barbecue that’s anticipated to reach later this yr. The chance to serve barbecue to airport guests is big.
“That’s going to take a variety of our time on the Pearland barbecue place,” he says. “It’s going to be laborious to do. I’m amping up for that. The airport might be extra gross sales than each Woodlands eating places mixed.”
