The Heights Pizzeria & Drafthouse is tossing up round two of the beloved Haker Heights establishment, with plans to open a second location at the West Killeen Marketplace. According to a recently filed permit, the new Heights Pizzeria & Drafthouse will live at 1103 W Stan Schlueter Loop Bldg A #300.
This new iteration of the Central Texas-renowned pizzeria is taking on a life of its own and appears to be a big project that will hopefully lead to big results. The permit details that construction on the estimated $450,000 project is already underway and will wrap up by the end of April 2026. Renovations on the 3,000 square foot new eatery include a new full-service restaurant and bar with a full-service kitchen that’ll hold two walk-in coolers, hoods, and restrooms. If all goes well on the project, the Kileen community and its visitors can expect to be able to hang and chow down at the new Heights Pizzeria & Drafthouse by May 2026.
The family behind the establishment is the Halabis, with Mike Halabi at the helm and his sons Jed and Daniel lending a hand in more ways than one. According to this Tex Appeal article from 2023, the location where the original Heights Pizzeria & Drafthouse lives, 201 E Central Texas Expy #1460, was once home to Palmera restaurant, an eatery the family also ran before making the switch to the Italian-inspired restaurant. The article also details the family’s rise to fame in Central Texas for their expertise in hospitality.
What Now Austin attempted to reach out to the Halabis for more information about the opening of the second Heights Pizzeria & Drafthouse, but did not hear back by the time of publication.
According to its website, The Heights Pizzeria & Drafthouse first opened on October 23, 2023, and it started with a simple idea.
“The goal was to create a place where people in Harker Heights could enjoy handcrafted food in a space that feels welcoming and familiar,” the website reads.
Artisan pizza is the main focus and heart of the menu, drawing inspiration from Italian flavors and recipes passed down through generations. Dishing out everything from Italian sandwiches and chicken wings to salad and desserts, The Heights Pizzeria & Drafthouse has quickly risen to fame for its simplicity and homey feel.
We can suspect that the new pizzeria will have the same vibe and offer similar, if not the same, dishes. Check it out for yourself when The Heights Pizzeria & Drafthouse at the West Killeen Marketplace opens at 1103 W Stan Schlueter Loop Bldg A #300 in Spring 2026.
