Photo by Claudia CasbarianFood & Drink
Charolais by Chef Austin Simmons now open in Hughes Landing in The Woodlands
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 PlateTM philosophy, which emphasizes ingredient integrity, traceability, and quality from ranch to table. Through Chef & RancherTM, 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, o]ering 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 o]ice 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 https://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.
Source: Howard Hughes Communities
