The Biggest Houston Restaurant News This Month, May 2025
The TLDR of Houston food and dining news this May, including more Turkey Leg Hut drama, more motivation to travel, and Eater Houston’s uncomfortable trip to Trump Burger
Catch up on each month’s most exciting food and dining news in Eater Houston’s newest column.
5) Houston’s Genesis Steakhouse Becomes Exodus and Pivots to a Non-Kosher Menu
Diners were particularly interested in news that Houston’s formerly kosher steakhouse Genesis Steakhouse and Wine Bar, which closed in April, will be resurrected as Exodus Bar and Grill. In its second act, owner Jason Goldstein says the restaurant will not be entirely kosher, but will still feature kosher-certified steaks and chickens, along with dishes like cheeseburgers, gumbo, sushi, and beef short rib.
4) Turkey Leg Hut Allegedly Sold California-Grown Pot Out of Branded Bags in Houston
The Turkey Leg Hut drama just doesn’t stop. In early May, an FBI agent testified against former Turkey Leg Hut owner Lynn Price, alleging in a bond hearing that the agency collected evidence that the restaurant was used to store and sell large quantities of marijuana from out of state. This follows an April indictment in which Price faces federal charges of arson for his alleged role in the June 2020 fire at Bar 5015, an establishment owned by Price’s former colleague and business partner.
3) Everything You Need to Know About Dining and Drinking at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
A sign that summer travel is just getting started? This guide directing travelers to the best places to dine did significant numbers in May. Among the best options are Pala for pizza, Hugo’s Cocina, the airport’s newest outpost of the Annie, and the Breakfast Klub, especially for those early morning flights.
2) Houston Billionaire Tilman Fertitta Officially Trades in the Restaurateur Life for the Trump Administration
In late April, the U.S. Senate confirmed Tillman Fertitta, one of Houston’s most successful and richest restaurateurs, as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino. This means Fertitta, who owns the Houston Rockets, will forfeit more than 600 U.S. businesses and restaurants, many of which are in the Houston area. What could this mean for his hospitality group Landry’s, with dozens of family-friendly restaurants around the region? Stay tuned.
1) We Tried Trump Burger in Texas So You Don’t Have To
Trump Burger, which loudly proclaims its support for President Donald Trump, has quickly become one of the most controversial fast-casual restaurants in Texas. What started as one politically charged burger joint in Bellville, Texas, in 2020 has since expanded to a chainlet across the region, bringing its unapologetically MAGA branding to cities like Flatonia, Texas; Kemah, Texas; and, most recently, West Houston on Chimney Rock Road. So, how does Trump Burger really stack up to the compelling burger options already in Space City? Eater Houston tried the burger (and endured the discomfort) so you don’t have to. Here’s a rundown on the experience.
In Case You Missed It:
Need more travel inspiration? Here are some of Eater’s recent maps pointing you to the best restaurants in waterside cities like Port Aransas, Galveston, Kemah, and Seabrook. And if a suburban getaway is what you seek, there’s a map for that, too.
