Lankford’s, the Houston-born burger institution with more than 80 years of history, will officially open its third location in The Woodlands on Saturday, January 31. This expands the family-owned brand’s footprint while remaining rooted in the comfort food and hospitality that have defined Lankford’s since 1937.

The interior of Lankford's evokes rustic charm with thick wooden tables, red metal chairs, and a hand-painted wall depicting what appears to be the original 1930s Lankford's grocery store.

Lankford's The Woodlands | Photos courtesy of Lankford's

NEW LOCATION IN THE WOODLANDS

Located at 24 Waterway Avenue in the former Baja Cantina space, Lankford’s The Woodlands is led by third-generation owner Jessica Prior and her husband, Paul Prior, alongside fourth-generation family member Nicolas van der Does. The opening marks a significant growth moment for the brand as it transitions into new family leadership.

The Woodlands location is designed as a destination for guests of all ages, introducing several new elements to the Lankford’s experience while preserving the classic menu longtime fans know well. The restaurant features a 12-tap self-serve beer wall, a dedicated milkshake bar offering both kid-friendly favorites and boozy options for adults, and expanded beverage offerings including handcrafted cocktails and curated wine selections.

 

A spread from Lankford's features diner-style baskets of French fries, fried chicken fingers, and a fried-egg burger. There's also a salad of mixed greens, tomatoes, egg, and a thick red sauce.

The beer wall at Lankford's features four touchscreen menus and a dozen or more spigots.

THE MENU

The menu highlights Lankford’s most popular burgers, including the Grim Burger, topped with mac and cheese, jalapeños, bacon, cheddar and a sunny-side-up egg; the Firehouse Burger, known for its bold heat from habanero mustard, cayenne butter, and jalapeños; and the Bacon Cheeseburger, a classic and fan-favorite bite. These signature items are served alongside the brand’s broader lineup of scratch-made comfort food.

The location also introduces Lankford’s Rescue Menu, which offers dog-friendly dishes with a portion of proceeds benefiting the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Guests can further engage with the brand through the newly launched Lankford’s Wine Club, which offers exclusive selections, member perks and special events.

 

The Lankfords logo features the name of the restaurant in a red, sweeping cursive font. The "s" forms a swoop under the name, and inside the line is white block text that reads, "EST. 1937."

ABOUT LANKFORD'S

Founded in 1937 by Aubrey and Nona Lankford, Lankford’s began as a mom-and-pop grocery store in Houston’s Fourth Ward, also known as Freedmen’s Town. In the early 1980s, the business entered a new chapter under the leadership of their daughter, Eydie Lankford Prior, and her husband, Deryl “Cotton” Ridenhour, who together transformed the neighborhood market into an icehouse and later a full-service restaurant as the surrounding area evolved into what is now Midtown.

Over the decades, Lankford’s became widely known for its burgers and comfort food, earning recognition as one of Houston’s best burger destinations. The restaurant has been featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” “The Texas Bucket List,” and Texas Highways’ “Worth the Drive.”

Following Prior’s retirement in 2021, leadership of the family business transitioned to the third generation, led by Paul and Jessica Prior. Now entering its fourth generation, Lankford’s continues to grow across Greater Houston while remaining rooted in the history, community, and hospitality that have defined the brand for more than 80 years. Locations include Midtown, Bellaire, and The Woodlands.

Guests can follow along for specials and events on Lankford's - The Woodlands website.