Houston’s Gourmet Burger Wars Come to a Head in Rice Village: Shake Shack Challenged by New Austin Import

Austin-based burger chain Hopdoddy Burger Bar opened to massive lines (think two-hour minimum wait) this May at River Oaks District. Now, the eatery is prepared for lighting to strike twice as it plans to open a second location in Rice Village, at 5510 Morningside Drive (which currently houses Baker Street Pub & Grill).

“The addition of Hopdoddy is certainly an exciting step in the transformation of Rice Village,” says Donna Molho, Rice Village District general manager. 

The new Hopdoddy restaurant, which is scheduled to open in 2017, joins New York-based burger eatery Shake Shack, which announced plans this March to open its second Houston Shack in Rice Village at 6206 Kirby Drive (which is currently a La Madeleine), also in 2017. Shake Shack’s first Houston location is slated to open this December in The Galleria.

Both restaurants are part of Rice Village’s multi-million dollar renovation, which includes cosmetic upgrades, public art installations, and new retail destinations.

Proprietors Larry Foles, Larry Perdido, Chuck Smith, and Guy Villavaso opened the first Hopdoddy location in Austin in October 2010. The brand has 17 locations in Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and California. Expect Hopdoddy’s signature hormone-free Angus beef burgers alongside an array of fries, shakes, salads, cocktails and beers.