Mambo Seafood Opens New Location Near Willowbrook Mall in Former T.G.I. Friday's
The Willowbrook area has welcomed a new dining option as Mambo Seafood officially opened its latest Houston location on May 22, 2025. The new restaurant occupies the former T.G.I. Friday’s building at 7728 FM 1960 W., following a months-long interior renovation.
Located in Harris County near Willowbrook Mall, the 7,000-square-foot facility underwent an interior transformation that began in February. According to project details, the work focused on remodeling the interior space to accommodate the seafood chain’s restaurant layout and operational needs.
New Space, Familiar Format
The Willowbrook site is one of more than a dozen Mambo Seafood locations across Greater Houston, with others in San Antonio and McAllen. Known for a blend of Latin and Gulf Coast seafood dishes, the chain features a wide-ranging menu—from fried seafood platters to cold ceviche and build-your-own boil bundles.
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Menu highlights include fried crawfish, shrimp, and fish combos, along with dishes like grilled red snapper, seafood soups, and tacos. For larger parties, there are family-style platters and grilled parrilladas. Customers also have the option to choose their own fish at the in-house seafood market and select how it’s prepared.
In addition to entrees, the menu includes appetizers such as street-style corn and calamari, as well as desserts and specialty beverages like fruit-flavored cheladas and margaritas.
Local Growth Amid Familiar Trends
The opening of Mambo Seafood – Willowbrook reflects ongoing demand in the Houston area for fast-casual and mid-range dining experiences, particularly those with shared plates and culturally influenced menus. The renovation of a long-vacant chain restaurant building also fits into a broader pattern of adaptive reuse in suburban commercial corridors.
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With an eye toward affordability and large-group dining, the concept appears aimed at family gatherings and neighborhood visitors seeking variety without a high price point.
Residents and shoppers near Willowbrook Mall can now explore the renovated space and its seafood-focused offerings as Mambo Seafood begins operating in its newest Houston location.
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.
