College Station, TX, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Rising costs and staffing shortages are leading to the permanent closure of several local restaurants in College Station, including Howdy’s Texas Grill’d Pizza and The Anchor Bar. Business owners like Skyler Landers highlight the importance of maintaining manageable menus and embracing sustainable growth practices to navigate the challenging economic landscape. The competitive labor market exacerbates difficulties, leaving restaurants to adjust operations amidst ongoing effects from the pandemic.
Local Restaurants in College Station Face Closure Amid Rising Costs and Staffing Shortages
College Station is witnessing a growing trend of permanent restaurant closures as local eateries struggle to manage rising costs and severe staffing shortages. Economic pressures have resulted in notable establishments, such as The Anchor Bar and Howdy’s Texas Grill’d Pizza, shutting their doors for good.
Skyler Landers, a business owner, recently announced the closure of Landers Barbeque in Anderson, driven by the financial strain in the restaurant industry. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a small but appealing menu to sustain profitability, especially under increasing economic pressures.
Rising inflation is putting a significant burden on the restaurant sector. The costs of food supplies have skyrocketed, and owners find themselves in a tough position where they must balance food prices, employee wages, and potential profits. The challenge is further complicated by a competitive labor market, where hiring and retaining quality staff has become increasingly difficult.
The low unemployment rate in College Station poses additional challenges for restaurant owners attempting to fill positions. This situation complicates operations as businesses struggle to provide adequate staffing levels while dealing with rising operational costs.
In light of these challenges, Landers advises aspiring restaurant owners to set realistic expectations and prioritize sustainable growth practices. A high level of adaptability is crucial for navigating the current economic landscape, making it essential for business owners to react promptly to fluctuations in the market.
Many local entrepreneurs are encouraged to engage with local chambers of commerce and participate in networking events to better reach potential customers. Utilizing social media platforms effectively can also provide an avenue for increasing visibility and customer interaction.
Howdy’s Texas Grill’d Pizza, a beloved local restaurant recognized for five consecutive years as “Best Pizza” by The Eagle’s Reader’s Choice Awards, has announced its permanent closure effective December 5. The challenges it faced stemmed from issues related to COVID-19, staffing, and supply chain shortages. Having opened in 2016, Howdy’s hopes to restructure its business model and aims for a potential reopening in a new location by the fall of 2022.
Landers points to the strategy of maximizing existing employees’ hours, especially during the high-demand Christmas season, as a way to effectively manage staffing issues. This method might provide some relief in the current labor market while attempting to maintain service quality.
Supporting Context and the Restaurant Landscape
The current state of the restaurant industry in College Station reflects a broader trend seen across many cities, attributing difficulties to several factors including inflated prices and ongoing recruitment challenges. Moreover, the post-pandemic recovery phase has not returned many businesses to pre-pandemic stability, leaving several industry players at risk. This reality may lead to a noticeable change in the local dining scene as closures mount.
Summary of Challenges for Local Restaurants
- Rising Costs: Inflation impacting food prices and overall operational costs.
- Staffing Issues: Difficulty in finding and retaining quality workers due to competitive labor market conditions.
- Low Unemployment Rate: Contributing to staffing shortages in the restaurant sector.
- COVID-19 Aftereffects: Ongoing challenges related to pandemic recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary challenges facing local restaurants in College Station?
Local restaurants are primarily challenged by rising costs due to inflation, staffing shortages due to low unemployment rates, and complications still stemming from COVID-19.
Are any popular restaurants in College Station closing?
Yes, restaurants such as Howdy’s Texas Grill’d Pizza and The Anchor Bar have recently closed due to economic pressures.
What advice is being offered to aspiring restaurant owners?
Aspiring restaurant owners are advised to maintain realistic expectations, focus on sustainable growth, and embrace adaptability in their business models to survive under current economic conditions.
Key Features Summary
| Key Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Rising Costs | Inflation impacting food prices significantly. |
| Staffing Shortages | Difficulty in hiring and retaining workers in a competitive labor market. |
| Economic Pressures | Many restaurants unable to cope with operational costs leading to closures. |
| Local Restaurant Closures | Notable establishments like Howdy’s and The Anchor Bar have shut down. |
| Advice for Aspiring Owners | Focus on sustainable growth and maintaining realistic expectations. |
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Additional Resources
- KXXV – Brazos Valley Restaurant Industry Struggles
- Wikipedia: Restaurant Industry
- KBTX – College Station Restaurant Adds Tailgate Catering
- Google Search: College Station Restaurant Closures
- Statesman – Veterans Day 2024 Freebies in Texas
- Google Scholar: Restaurant Industry Challenges
- KAGS-TV – Howdy’s Pizza Closing in College Station
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Restaurant Economics
- KXXV – Seasonal Workers in Bryan-College Station
- Google News: Texas Restaurant Closures
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
