Houston – The beloved Rice Village neighborhood is set to gain a fresh dining destination when Local Foods Group Hospitality launches Benjamin’s, a modern live‑fire steakhouse, in the spring of 2027. The project is a partnership between longtime restaurateurs Benjy Levit and Dylan Murray, who already operate popular concepts such as Local Foods, Milton’s, Lee’s and Maximo.
From Local Foods Market to a New Steakhouse
The space currently housing Local Foods Market and Local Foods Rice Village on Dunstan Road will be transformed into a dedicated Benjamin’s restaurant. While the two existing concepts will continue to operate at the same address, a new climate‑controlled, enclosed patio will give diners an outdoor‑feeling experience year‑round.
Family‑Focused Vision
Levit, who first opened the hospitality group’s flagship Benjy’s in 1995, described the project as “full circle.” He noted that the location has “held so much life over the past few years,” and that the team’s long‑standing collaboration will help Benjamin’s feel “very ‘lived‑in’” from day one. The owners emphasized that the restaurant will be a place where families can gather for a hearty meal in a welcoming atmosphere.
Creative Leadership and Menu Highlights
Benjamin’s will be guided by creative director Seth Siegel‑Gardner and executive chef Ryan Lachaine, both known for their expertise in live‑fire cooking and barbecue. A Mill Scale Metalworks grill will serve as the kitchen’s centerpiece, delivering the smoky flavor that defines the menu.
Signature dishes announced in the press release include a 20‑ounce Huitlacoche‑rubbed dry‑aged Flannery ribeye with truffle au poivre sauce, Denver steak Milanese with uni and lobster bucatini, and a surf‑and‑turf plate that pairs premium steak with fresh seafood. For side dishes, diners can expect creamed spinach gnudi with bone marrow vinaigrette and smoked schmaltz French fries with crown‑dill ranch. Dessert will feature a hearth‑roasted chocolate soufflé accompanied by caramelized banana ice cream.
Community Impact
The opening of Benjamin’s is expected to create new jobs for local residents and add another upscale dining option to Rice Village, a corridor already known for its vibrant mix of shops and eateries. Siegel‑Gardner expressed confidence that the team’s “talent and creativity” will produce a restaurant that reflects the community’s values of quality, hospitality, and family‑centered service.
Local Foods Group’s continued investment in Houston underscores the company’s commitment to strengthening the city’s economy and providing families with dining experiences that honor both tradition and innovation.
What’s Next?
Construction is slated to begin this summer, with a grand opening planned for spring 2027. The owners invite Houston residents to watch the transformation and look forward to welcoming the community to Benjamin’s once the doors open.
Original reporting: Community Impact — Houston — read the source article.
