Chef Austin Simmons prepping to open doors to new restaurant, Charolais

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Recently, Chef Austin Simmons held a soft opening for family and friends of his new restaurant, Charolais. The concept focuses on high-quality beef sourced from Simmons’ genetics-driven cattle program, Chef & Rancher, which emphasizes sustainable animal husbandry and full oversight from pasture to plate. The Chef Austin Wagyu line is a cross of Black Wagyu and French Charolais.

The 7,500-square-foot venue on the site of the formal Local Pour in Hughes Landing’s Restaurant Row will feature seating for nearly 300 guests. This project marks Simmons' return to the community where he previously served as executive chef at TRIS, which closed in January of last year. Though the doors to TRIS had closed, Simmons remained a popular culinary fixture around The Woodlands Township.

The culinary focus of Charolais is a mid-scale, modern, and casual dining experience featuring signature steak boards, burgers, and cuts. The establishment will include an adjacent butcher shop where guests can purchase raw beef and witness cuts being prepared, along with options to customize cooking methods such as live fire or cast iron.

In a change from the pricier options of the TRIS menu, which included delectables such as the Korean Butter Poached Crab, Lobster Pot Pie, and the U10 East Coast Scallops, for Charolais Simmons aims for accessibility, with an average price point at least $30 less per person than his previous restaurant.

Stay tuned to Woodlands Online for updates to the grand opening of this new dining destination.