La Michoacana is working on another opening for the Greater Houston region, this time in Katy. According to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation permit, the meat market and ice cream brand is planning to open in the Bear Creek/Copperfield area within the Raintree Plaza Retail Center at 20300 Franz RD.
The permit further details that construction on the new La Michoacana is already underway and is slated to be completed by the end of December. If all goes well with permitting and the estimated $900,000 construction project, the new La Michoacana should open by early 2027.
What Now Houston reached out to La Michoacana Director of Operations, Miguel Zamora, to find out more about the upcoming opening. Unfortunately, we did not hear back by the time of this publication.
“For generations, the paleta has been more than just a frozen treat; it’s been a symbol of family, celebration, and heritage. Our story is one of tradition meeting innovation, bringing the flavors we love to new places and new moments,” the La Michoacana website reads.
“Paletas hold a special place in Mexican culture, and their story begins in the heart of Michoacán.”
Rafael Malfavón, a local resident and store owner, is often credited with pioneering the business, using local fresh fruit to make traditional frozen ice pops (paletas). He founded the concept between 1938 and 1942 in the small agricultural town of Tocumbo, Michoacán. In 1942, he opened a permanent local establishment in Tocumbo and began teaching local youths how to make them.
Instead of keeping the business exclusive, Malfavón’s cousins, Ignacio Alcázar and Agustín Andrade, realized he could make more money by financing others rather than running multiple stores himself. He and other early pioneers began giving flexible, low-interest community loans and sharing recipes with family members and fellow Tocumbo natives who wanted to migrate to other parts of Mexico.
“Known for its vibrant traditions, rich flavors, and artisanal craftsmanship, Michoacán is where the very first paletas were created,” the brand’s website reads.
“Over time, they became more than just frozen treats; they grew into a symbol of community, joy, and heritage.”
Today, there are an estimated 8,000 to 15,000 independent ice cream and paleteria shops in Mexico, alongside over 180 U.S. locations for La Michoacana Meat Market and dozens of La Michoacana Plus stores. There are approximately 186 to 196 La Michoacana Meat Market locations in Texas, representing the vast majority of the chain’s 200+ total stores, with at least 75 across the Greater Houston metropolitan area.
What Now also reached out to the company’s CDO, Manuel Zambrana, to find out more about further expansion plans. But we did not hear back by the time of this publication.
Check out the new La Michoacana when it opens in the Bear Creek/Copperfield area within the Raintree Plaza Retail Center at 20300 Franz RD by early 2027.
(This is a developing story. As more information is made available, we will update this article. Stay tuned!)
