Barbecue Inn

116 West Crosstimbers Drive

Barbecue Inn's current building, according to both HCAD and newspaper records, was built in 1965. As of 1961, the 116 West Crosstimbers address was a private residence, with a fire reported in 1961 that damaged the roof.

It appears the "established 1946" was when current ownership took over--much like how what is now Domino's marks its establishment when it was new management that took over Ypsilanti, Michigan's "Domi-Nick's Pizza", but the original address of Barbecue Inn isn't clear, and establishments with that name in Houston have been around since the 1930s. Pictures from author, 3/2019.

Jack in the Box, The Heights

2001 North Shepherd Drive

Built in 1977 but replacing an older restaurant dating back to at least the mid-1960s, this Jack in the Box closed September 2018. The restaurant was poorly run, with employees actually refusing to serve hamburgers after around 7 pm citing the grill being shut off (likely a reason for its demise, as Jack in the Box stores usually thrive on night traffic). It reopened as Velvet Taco in January 2021 with a exterior major re-do (however, the "box" was kept). [Photo by author, March 2019]

1317 Telephone Road

1317 Telephone Road

HCAD puts this at being built in 1927, and it has not changed hands since 1992. It likely has been a law office since that time, and no further information is currently available. Photo from author, December 2018.

Platters Seafood Bar & Grill

8125 Katy Freeway

Build date unknown (assumed to be 1980s), this was later 59 Diner before it was closed and demolished for the widening of the Katy Freeway. The McDonald's at 8147 Katy Freeway occupies this site today, though it was briefly part of National Tree & Shrub.