Island Grill American Mediterranean is working on its sixth Greater Houston region opening. The brand recently announced that it will be opening its next location in the River Oaks / Upper Kirby district area, inside the River Oaks Village shopping center at 2810 Westheimer Road, according to the Houston Business Journal.
The address is currently home to Relish Restaurant & Bar, which announced it will be moving to Transwestern’s The RO. The plan is for the eatery to stay at the location until the end of the year. Island Grill American Mediterranean plans to open in the 4,225-square-foot River Oaks space in spring 2027.
What Now Houston spoke with Island Grill co-owner Faysal Haddad, who confirmed the opening.
“We’ve had customers from River Oaks driving to our other locations for years, some of them for decades. Bringing Island Grill to their neighborhood feels like the right next step for our family,” Haddad said.
The River Oaks location will occupy 4,225 square feet, with Eric Lestin and Michael Burgower of Cushman & Wakefield representing Island Grill in the lease negotiations. Lestin, Managing Director and Retail Advisory Lead at Cushman & Wakefield, has represented the Haddad family across all locations over the past 26 years.
“At Island Grill, our story is one of passion and tradition,” the Island Grill American Mediterranean website reads.
“For over two decades, we’ve been sharing in our love of Mediterranean American flavors with our loyal patrons. Our commitment to quality, authenticity, and family recipes is what sets us apart. From our mouthwatering gyros to our delectable American classics, every dish we prepare is a labor of love.”
That labor of love started in 2020 when Haddad and his wife, Maria, founded the brand. Immigrating to Houston from Damascus, Syria, in 1981, Haddad has infused his tradition and cultural culinary taste into the brand. What began as a humble juice, vitamin, and smoothie bar expanded into an eatery with a menu of fresh Mediterranean fare and classic American dishes inspired in part by Faysal’s childhood in Syria.
“Since 2000, we have been serving up our beloved family recipes that will transport your taste buds to a world of culinary excellence,” the brand’s website reads.
“We pride ourselves on feeding you like family. Quality remains a foundational pillar to our business!”
Now, with five locations sprinkled throughout the Greater Houston region, Haddad has his children, Grace, Michael, and Sophia, all on board, helping the brand continue to blossom.
“I am incredibly proud of what my parents have built,” said Grace Haddad, Director of Operations.
“The Haddad kids are excited to continue the legacy of quality, care, and commitment to feeding our customers like family.”
Island Grill American Mediterranean is anticipated to open its sixth location in the River Oaks / Upper Kirby district area, inside the River Oaks Village shopping center at 2810 Westheimer Road in spring 2027.
