Houston’s Millennial Revolution — New Shops, Restaurants and Fitness Meccas Opened by Generation We

It’s true, many department stores and franchise restaurant chains have gone by the wayside. But where one door closes, the millennial market has come to not only open a new one but also slap a fresh coat of paint on it.

Millennials are changing the way Houston shops, exercises and eats, both introducing new concepts and bringing back old favorites with a new twist. Let’s look at this new wave a little closer. These are some of the more intriguing millennial-powered businesses in Houston. 

Red Circle Ice Cream

No one loves Texas more than Texans, right? At Red Circle Ice Cream you can find favorite traditional flavors like chocolate and vanilla taking on a Texas twist by getting paired with handcrafted churros. These combos come in a number of rich flavors including cinnamon sugar, caramel crunch and cookie butter.

Red Circle Ice Cream also offers Hong Kong-style egg waffles made from a fluffy batter and baked to airy perfection. These puffy waffles are built around timeless flavor combos such as milk and cereal or coffee with hazelnut wafers.

Of course, there are also more elaborate concoctions such as M&M’s, sprinkles and Pocky Sticks. Otherwise, you can simply pair your waffle with your choice of ice cream,

Just don’t forget to snap a pic. Trust us, it’s 100 percent Instagram-worthy.

Red Circle Ice Cream

6838 Ranchester Drive 

Instagram: @redcircleicecream

Dance House Fitness

Different from classic fitness classes like Zumba and Jazzercise, Dance House Fitness (with studios in Montrose and The Heights) is the latest Houston workout craze. Each class offers an intense sweat session to live DJ mixes from popular artists like Beyonce and Ariana Grande. Using influences from all types of dance styles, classes are designed to sculpt major muscle groups while an instructor shows you how to break down each move.

Whether you’ve never danced a day in your life or consider yourself a dark horse Dancing with the Stars candidate, Dance House Fitness owner Jenny Sanchez encourages everyone to leave their worries at the door and get moving. Start simple and try the basic class or turn up the heat with a HIIT or Strut class.

Just don’t forget to bring a killer pair of heels.

Dance House Fitness Montrose

1839 Richmond Avenue

Dance House Fitness Heights

246 W 19th Street

Instagram: @dancehousefitness

Tea & Victory

As screens take over the world, Tea + Victory brings things back to a simpler time — with board games and friends. This board game cafe in The Heights makes old school cool. Get a group together and browse the hearty selection of craft beers from spots like Eureka Heights Brewing and 11 Below Brewing, or stay on top of your game with a mug of local coffee.

Or choose a tantalizing flavor from Tea + Victory’s robust collection of loose-leaf tea while you battle your crew in games of nostalgic, all-time classics like Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit and more.

Tea + Victory

2030 E. T.C. Jester Boulevard

Instagram: @teaandvictory

Neon Tiger Vintage

Neon Tiger Vintage’s rotating popup shops feature both modern and quirky fashion in hand-me-down clothing. Think muted floral prints, 1970s fringe and tons of denim. What makes Neon Tiger Vintage unique? This is vintage cutting edge fashions at affordable prices.

Owner Yasmin Wattar loves that each piece feels authentic and saves some stress on the pocketbook while being environmentally sound. You can find Neon Tiger Vintage products online or at any one of its popup shops around Houston.

Instagram: @neontigervintage