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Houston neighborhood restores decades-old street pillars

The Southampton residents will be recognized with a preservation award.

News

A group of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="0f9d39ba-5a35-43bf-bce3-d19c624159fb" data-vars-headline="Houston neighborhood restores decades-old street pillars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston</a> neighbors banded together to repair and replace <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic concrete street signs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2022/08/31/street-typo-houston-concrete-pillars" data-vars-content-id="0f9d39ba-5a35-43bf-bce3-d19c624159fb" data-vars-headline="Houston neighborhood restores decades-old street pillars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2022/08/31/street-typo-houston-concrete-pillars" target="_self">historic concrete street signs</a> installed in their neighborhood more than 80 years ago. Why it matters: Their restoration efforts won them an award from the Bayou City&#x27;s premier preservation society.

Apple brings Mac Mini production to Houston in AI-fueled manufacturing push

The move doubles Apple's Houston footprint.

Business

Apple is accelerating its manufacturing footprint in Houston — bringing production of its Mac Mini to the U.S. for the first time, the tech giant announced Tuesday. Why it matters: The move doubles <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Apple&#x27;s Houston footprint" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/02/24/apple-investment-trump-tim-cook-texas" data-vars-content-id="1f4dd05a-ff4c-4eee-bcbc-0fde16ff9366" data-vars-headline="Apple brings Mac Mini production to Houston in AI-fueled manufacturing push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/02/24/apple-investment-trump-tim-cook-texas" target="_self">Apple&#x27;s Houston footprint</a> and is expected to create thousands of jobs.

Houston families are opting for cremations over burials

By 2045, the cremation rate in Texas is projected to be 79%, per the NFDA.

Cremations are now twice as common as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="burials" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/gen-z-funeral-death-preferences-baby-boomers-cremation" data-vars-content-id="3d26a329-fecf-443b-8fd5-4b871609c523" data-vars-headline="Houston families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/new-orleans/2024/10/29/gen-z-funeral-death-preferences-baby-boomers-cremation" target="_self">burials</a> in the U.S., reversing a norm from two decades ago, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the National Funeral Directors Association" data-vars-click-url="https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9786/nfda-releases-2025-cremation-burial-report-comprehensive-insights-to-guide-the-future-of-funeral-service" data-vars-content-id="3d26a329-fecf-443b-8fd5-4b871609c523" data-vars-headline="Houston families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nfda.org/news/media-center/nfda-news-releases/id/9786/nfda-releases-2025-cremation-burial-report-comprehensive-insights-to-guide-the-future-of-funeral-service" target="_blank">the National Funeral Directors Association</a>.Why it matters: Shifting attitudes around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="religion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/religion-americans-spiritual-survey" data-vars-content-id="3d26a329-fecf-443b-8fd5-4b871609c523" data-vars-headline="Houston families are opting for cremations over burials" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/03/05/religion-americans-spiritual-survey" target="_self">religion</a>, cost and the environment are reshaping how Americans — and Houstonians — handle death.

Waymo introduces autonomous rides in Houston

Select riders who've downloaded the Waymo app will receive invitations.

Waymo&#x27;s driverless rides have arrived in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="a5c04d8b-740e-4c55-979c-fbcf99210222" data-vars-headline="Waymo introduces autonomous rides in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston</a>, starting with a limited rollout.Why it matters: Waymo&#x27;s debut turns futuristic tech into a commuting option, moving the technology past its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="testing phase" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/18/houston-waymo-driverless-autonomous-robotaxi" data-vars-content-id="a5c04d8b-740e-4c55-979c-fbcf99210222" data-vars-headline="Waymo introduces autonomous rides in Houston" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/11/18/houston-waymo-driverless-autonomous-robotaxi" target="_self">testing phase</a> and into daily life.

Houston's Molly Tea delivers on its promise

Molly Tea is a fast-growing Chinese fresh tea chain known for aroma-forward drinks.

Food and Drink

Molly Tea in Dun Huang Plaza in Asiatown just opened this week, and I braved the lines to give it a try.Dig in: Molly Tea is a fast-growing Chinese fresh tea chain founded in 2021. It&#x27;s built a following for aroma-forward drinks — particularly jasmine tea.

Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of "Top Chef"

Known for modern Indian cooking that plays with global classics, he's already a "Chopped" winner.

Things to Do

Acclaimed Houston chef and restaurateur Jaspratap &quot;Jassi&quot; Bindra will be on the newest season of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Top Chef" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/top-chef-north-carolina-chefs" data-vars-content-id="54d2e7a8-e87f-4ce5-a441-b4510f6ffe53" data-vars-headline="Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of &quot;Top Chef&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/01/29/top-chef-north-carolina-chefs" target="_self">Top Chef</a>,&quot; premiering March 9.How it works: 15 chefs compete for a grand prize of $250,000, plus other perks like the opportunity to host a dinner at the historic James Beard House and present at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="awards ceremony" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" data-vars-content-id="54d2e7a8-e87f-4ce5-a441-b4510f6ffe53" data-vars-headline="Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of &quot;Top Chef&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2026/01/21/2026-james-beard-semifinalists" target="_self">awards ceremony</a> in Chicago.

These are Houston's 2026 James Beard semifinalists

A James Beard semifinalist spot signals prestige in a closely watched industry race.

A dozen Houston-area chefs and restaurants are among this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Foundation semifinalists" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/22/james-beard-award-2025-semifinalists-houston" data-vars-content-id="d16ee08b-e94b-44aa-b1d5-d0306de61015" data-vars-headline="These are Houston&#x27;s 2026 James Beard semifinalists" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/01/22/james-beard-award-2025-semifinalists-houston" target="_self">James Beard Foundation semifinalists</a>.Why it matters: A James Beard semifinalist spot signals prestige in a closely watched industry race.

No new Michelin stars in Houston

All six Houston restaurants keep their Michelin stars in Texas' 2025 guide.

All six Houston-area restaurants honored last year with a Michelin star retained their stars in the international dining guide&#x27;s second Texas edition. There were no new local stars.Why it matters: A Michelin endorsement, particularly a star, brings international recognition and shines a spotlight on Houston&#x27;s wide-ranging dining scene.

Michelin names Houston 2025 Bib Gourmand restaurant winners

Five Houston restaurants are new to the Bib Gourmand list.

The second <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Texas Michelin Guide" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/12/texas-michelin-guide-ceremony-houston" data-vars-content-id="28e74839-b78e-4db5-9ce0-c381baf9ed1a" data-vars-headline="Michelin names Houston 2025 Bib Gourmand restaurant winners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/08/12/texas-michelin-guide-ceremony-houston" target="_self">Texas Michelin Guide</a> is out, featuring a list of Bib Gourmands — restaurants offering standout food at semi-reasonable prices.Why it matters: While these restaurants didn&#x27;t go home with a coveted star, serving good food at decent prices is perhaps even more prized <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/09/30/texas-michelin-guide-houston-host-ceremony" data-vars-content-id="28e74839-b78e-4db5-9ce0-c381baf9ed1a" data-vars-headline="Michelin names Houston 2025 Bib Gourmand restaurant winners" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2024/09/30/texas-michelin-guide-houston-host-ceremony" target="_self">in Houston</a>.

The Michelin Guide is coming back to Texas

The new awards will be announced in Houston on Oct. 28.

Michelin is set to update its Texas guide, revealing which restaurants earned stars and other honors across the state.Why it matters: It&#x27;s a moment of recognition, honor and prestige for both the restaurants and the cities where they are located.

I tried the winning Houston Trader Joe's ice cream sandwich recipe

Out of roughly 400 submissions nationwide, a Houston Trader Joe's location won a recipe contest.

Trader Joe&#x27;s announced the winner of its national store competition for best recipe, and the Alabama Theater location on Shepherd Drive won with its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Honey Gochujang Corn Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches" data-vars-click-url="https://www.traderjoes.com/home/discover/stories/store-recipe-contest-winner-2025" data-vars-content-id="42a1ec11-1673-4424-bf07-d385b249a79c" data-vars-headline="I tried the winning Houston Trader Joe&#x27;s ice cream sandwich recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.traderjoes.com/home/discover/stories/store-recipe-contest-winner-2025" target="_blank">Honey Gochujang Corn Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches</a>.It&#x27;s a mouthful and a seemingly odd combo. And of course, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="my love of trying" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/11/rodeo-houston-texas-food" data-vars-content-id="42a1ec11-1673-4424-bf07-d385b249a79c" data-vars-headline="I tried the winning Houston Trader Joe&#x27;s ice cream sandwich recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/03/11/rodeo-houston-texas-food" target="_self">my love of trying</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="interesting food mashups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/06/24/budget-bites-trendy-dumplings" data-vars-content-id="42a1ec11-1673-4424-bf07-d385b249a79c" data-vars-headline="I tried the winning Houston Trader Joe&#x27;s ice cream sandwich recipe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/06/24/budget-bites-trendy-dumplings" target="_self">interesting food mashups</a>, I had to test out this local winner.

Latin Restaurant Weeks is back

More than 25 local eateries are participating.

Latin Restaurant Weeks is back July 11–25, spotlighting Latin culture through food and community.<ul><li>More than 25 local eateries are participating, offering special deals during the two-week celebration.</li></ul>

Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast named Best Texas Chef

Chef Thomas Bille and his wife first opened the restaurant in 2020. He was the only Houston-area win at the ceremony.

Belly of the Beast chef Thomas Bille took home the title of Best Chef in Texas at this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Beard Awards" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/02/houston-chefs-restaurants-2025-james-beard-finalists" data-vars-content-id="8243ea78-e989-47f5-9888-3919e8d9c30b" data-vars-headline="Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast named Best Texas Chef" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/2025/04/02/houston-chefs-restaurants-2025-james-beard-finalists" target="_self">James Beard Awards</a> on Monday, beating out top talent from across the state.Why it matters: The award spotlights the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston region&#x27;s culinary clout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/food-and-drink" data-vars-content-id="8243ea78-e989-47f5-9888-3919e8d9c30b" data-vars-headline="Thomas Bille of Belly of the Beast named Best Texas Chef" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston/food-and-drink" target="_self">Houston region&#x27;s culinary clout</a> in Texas in what&#x27;s long been considered the Oscars of the culinary world.

Houston represents on Texas Monthly's Top 50 BBQ list

Greater <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Houston" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" data-vars-content-id="3c5b9bbd-50ac-4704-b8de-ac5c68149965" data-vars-headline="Houston represents on Texas Monthly&#x27;s Top 50 BBQ list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/houston" target="_self">Houston</a> is home to some of the state&#x27;s best <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="barbecue" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/28/electric-grill-current-backyard-weber" data-vars-content-id="3c5b9bbd-50ac-4704-b8de-ac5c68149965" data-vars-headline="Houston represents on Texas Monthly&#x27;s Top 50 BBQ list" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/06/28/electric-grill-current-backyard-weber" target="_self">barbecue</a> joints, according to Texas Monthly&#x27;s new Top 50 BBQ rankings.Why it matters: A spot on the coveted list brings home bragging rights and a shot at more customers for Texas&#x27; pitmasters.

Food and Drink 🍽

Budget Bites: Jang Guem

Houston's Molly Tea delivers on its promise

Meet the Houston chef on Season 23 of "Top Chef"

These are Houston's 2026 James Beard semifinalists

Eating brunch at Mayahuel