Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is Coming to Texas Heritage Marketplace in West Katy
As commercial momentum continues to build at Texas Heritage Marketplace, a new addition promises scratch-made comfort food and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is officially on its way to the rapidly expanding retail hub near Jordan Ranch in West Katy.
According to newly filed permits, Cheddar’s will open at 29053 Katy Freeway, Katy, TX 77494, with construction slated to begin in April 2026 and wrap up by Christmas Day. The 5,864-square-foot restaurant will represent a nearly $3.8 million investment, including full-site development such as parking, landscaping, and utilities.
A New Chapter for Cheddar’s in Katy
Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, founded in 1979 in Arlington, Texas, has become a national favorite for its made-from-scratch meals and inviting atmosphere. Known for generous portions of comfort classics like chicken tenders, pot pie, country-fried steak, and homemade onion rings, the restaurant also offers lighter fare, hearty salads, burgers, and signature cocktails.
Now a part of Darden Restaurants, Inc.—the same parent company as Olive Garden, Chuy's, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, and more—Cheddar’s has over 180 locations across 28 states, including several throughout the Greater Houston area. Nearby outposts include locations in Cypress, Spring, and Houston proper, but this will be Cheddar’s first location in Katy’s west side, a growing area underserved by full-service national dining chains.
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Texas Heritage Marketplace Continues to Expand
The announcement of Cheddar’s follows a string of high-profile restaurant additions to Texas Heritage Marketplace, a 750,000+ square foot mixed-use development positioned along I-10 and Texas Heritage Parkway. Just earlier this month, My Neighborhood News reported that Olive Garden will also open at the development, located just a few hundred feet away at 29077 Katy Freeway.
These additions solidify Texas Heritage Marketplace as a key dining and retail destination in Waller County and West Katy, especially for residents in surrounding master-planned communities like Jordan Ranch, Tamarron, Cross Creek Ranch, and Fulshear.
Confirmed and proposed tenants for the development include Target, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, Academy Sports + Outdoors, Texas Roadhouse, EoS Fitness, Chick-fil-A, Ulta Beauty, and now both Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Olive Garden—two recognizable names under the Darden umbrella.
Serving a Rapidly Growing Community
With the surrounding area experiencing explosive growth—over 150,000 residents now live within five miles of the development, and more than 12,000 new home units are planned nearby—the demand for dining and retail continues to soar. Regional planning data shows an 83% population increase in the trade area between 2020 and 2025, and the average household income exceeds $190,000.
This stretch of Katy Freeway is also within reach of major employment hubs, including Amazon’s 855,000-square-foot distribution center and Tesla’s new facility. The area’s mix of residential expansion and job creation has made it one of the most closely watched corridors for developers and national chains alike.
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Comfort Food with a Community Feel
Once open, Cheddar’s is expected to bring a relaxed yet elevated casual dining option to the region. Menu staples like honey-butter croissants, slow-cooked ribs, and their famous Monte Cristo sandwich have helped the brand maintain its popularity across generations and communities. The restaurant’s scratch kitchen model—which emphasizes freshly prepared meals over pre-packaged convenience—has resonated with families, professionals, and budget-conscious diners alike.
For West Katy residents, the arrival of Cheddar’s is another sign that the area’s retail and culinary landscape is finally catching up to its population growth. It adds another familiar option for weeknight dinners, celebrations, and casual get-togethers—just minutes from home.
As construction begins this spring, excitement is already simmering. With both Cheddar’s and Olive Garden set to open by year’s end, 2026 is shaping up to be a big year for Texas Heritage Marketplace and the Katy-Fulshear-Brookshire corridor. And for local residents hungry for more choices, it’s all welcome news.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
