Howard Hughes

Chef Austin Simmons returns to The Woodlands® with a new signature restaurant, reinforcing Howard Hughes Communities’ commitment to bringing standout culinary talent to the community

THE WOODLANDS (July 14, 2026) — Howard Hughes Communities™ today announced the opening of Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons, a new restaurant at Hughes Landing that marks the return of one of The Woodlands’ most recognized culinary figures. For residents who came to know Simmons through his impact on the local dining scene, Charolais brings a highly anticipated new destination to the community he has helped shape.

Known for his distinctive approach to hospitality and his deep focus on premium beef, Simmons has built a loyal following in The Woodlands and earned broader national attention for his steak program. At Charolais, he brings that same standard of craftsmanship to a concept centered on exceptional ingredients, interactive dining, and a guest experience designed to feel both elevated and welcoming.

Located in Hughes Landing, Charolais adds a new draw for residents, visitors, and the area’s growing daytime population, while further strengthening the district’s position as a premier destination for dining, hospitality, and lifestyle experiences in The Woodlands.

“Opening Charolais in The Woodlands means a great deal to me because this community has been such an important part of my story,” said Chef Austin Simmons. “We wanted to create a place that reflects the energy, pride, and standards of this market — a restaurant built around exceptional beef, thoughtful hospitality, and an experience people here can feel is truly their own.”

Charolais introduces a modern dining experience where guests can customize steak boards by selecting specific cuts and preferred preparation methods, including live fire, cast iron, high-temperature broiling, and other modern cooking techniques. That experience is grounded in Chef Simmons’ Hoof to Plate™ philosophy, which emphasizes ingredient integrity, traceability, and quality from ranch to table. Through Chef & Rancher™, Chef Simmons’ venture with Texas rancher Larry Ludeke, the concept maintains oversight of the beef program from genetic selection and animal husbandry to processing and final cuts.

“For a community like The Woodlands, local impact matters,” said Jim Carman, President of the Texas Region for Howard Hughes Communities. “Chef Austin Simmons is not just an acclaimed chef. He is a talent people here know and are excited to see return in a major way. Charolais brings a distinctive new experience to Hughes Landing and reflects our commitment to continuing to elevate the quality and character of The Woodlands.”

Designed by gin design group and built by Texana Builders, the 200-seat restaurant features a main dining room with an open kitchen, a social bar with a chef-driven cocktail program and an open-air patio. Two private dining rooms accommodate 24 and 36 guests for corporate gatherings and special events, with the option to expand into the social bar or patio for larger groups.

Adjacent to the restaurant, C&R Market extends the Charolais experience beyond the dining room, offering signature Chef & Rancher products for purchase, including premium cuts of beef from the same program featured on the menu, branded apparel, and other items to take home.

The restaurant’s location in Hughes Landing, an amenity-rich district along Lake Woodlands, enhances walkable access for nearby businesses and residents, including those at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands, and 1 Riva Row. Surrounded by dining, retail, entertainment, and office destinations, Charolais contributes to the continued growth of The Woodlands Town Center as the area’s premier destination for lifestyle and business activity.

C&R Market is open Tuesday through Thursday from noon to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, please visit www.chefrancher.com.

Charolais is now open Tuesday through Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.chefaustincharolais.com or follow @charolaisbyaustinsimmons on Instagram.

About Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons™
Charolais is built around Chef Simmons’ Hoof to Plate™ philosophy, with Chef & Rancher overseeing the beef program from genetic selection and animal husbandry to processing and final cuts. That approach allows the concept to deliver exceptional beef with the traceability, consistency, and craftsmanship at the heart of the dining experience. Adjacent to the restaurant, C&R Market offers signature Chef & Rancher products for purchase, including premium cuts of beef from the same program featured on the menu, branded apparel, and other items to take home. Standard dining reservations can be made through Resy. For private dining inquiries and event bookings, visit Charolais.

About The Woodlands®
The Woodlands is a Howard Hughes community spanning 28,500 acres, located 27 miles north of downtown Houston. Home to nearly 125,000 residents and over 70,000 employees, The Woodlands combines award-winning residential neighborhoods with a thriving commercial core that includes Class A office towers, shopping, dining, hospitality, and world-class healthcare. With 36% of its land preserved as open green space, The Woodlands offers an exceptional balance of urban amenities and natural beauty and is pre-certified under the LEED for Cities and Communities program, reflecting its leadership in sustainable community development. Consistently ranked among the best places to live in America, The Woodlands is a model for sustainable growth and economic vitality. Learn more at TheWoodlands.com.

About Howard Hughes Communities™
Howard Hughes Communities, the real estate platform of Howard Hughes Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HHH), develops, owns, and operates the nation’s premier large-scale master planned communities and mixed-use developments. The company’s award-winning assets include The Woodlands^®, Bridgeland^®, and The Woodlands Hills^® in Greater Houston; Summerlin^® in Las Vegas; Teravalis™ in Greater Phoenix; Ward Village^® in Honolulu; and Merriweather District in Columbia, Maryland. The Howard Hughes Communities portfolio is strategically positioned to meet and accelerate development based on market demand, resulting in one of the strongest real estate platforms in the country. Dedicated to innovative placemaking, the company is recognized for its ongoing commitment to design excellence and to the cultural life of its communities. For additional information, visit communities.howardhughes.com.

Media Contact
Howard Hughes Communities
Katelyn Elliott, 205-470-3757
[email protected]