Rodeo's Only Sit-Down Restaurant Saddles Up, Ropes in New Specials for 2025 Run

Rodeo's Only Sit-Down Restaurant Saddles Up, Ropes in New Specials for 2025 Run

Marla Hurley, Ben Berg, and Laura Goodson

NEVER TURNING DOWN an excuse to dress up and get down, Houston VIPs descended upon Ben Berg's The Ranch Saloon & Steakhouse to celebrate the opening of the Rodeo's only sit-down restaurant, now back for a fourth year running.


More than 300 invitees donned their western best and headed on out to the fairgrounds for the occasion. The Ranch's new frozen margaritas were a hit, and patrons raised a glass (or two!) while also munching on passed bites — mini versions of Berg's hit dishes, including "carpet baggers," crab cakes and beef Wellington. The 2025 iteration of The Ranch will feature activations from some of Berg's concepts, like Buttermilk Baby, and other Houston bars and restaurants.

The Ranch's decor includes 90-plus pieces by Texas artist Laura Goodson, which are all available for purchase; Goodson herself was on hand during the opening event, chatting with guests about her process. And Round Top's vintage and consignment expert, Marla Hurey of Modern Marla, wheeled in some of her latest finds to set up a bespoke photobooth backdrop, which was quite popular among partygoers!

Ellie Francisco and Michael Francisco

Tiana Lee and James Lancaster

Azameeh Zageer, Arthur Mooradian and Maya Shay

Terry Agris and Tisha Mesa

Brandon Duliakas, Katherine Ross and Armie Sadeghi

Shayna Hawkins, Stephanie Hawkins and Lindsey Nichley

Cameron Edwards, Robin Spilker, Lauren Hundley and Melanie Amua-Sekyi

Randy Paul, Ernie Manouse, and Katie Stone

Fady Armanious

Randi Smith, Christi Rawls, and Megan Ruddy

Rachel Tipton and Thuy Nguyen

Courtney Zavala and Alley Leto

Meghan Bailey and Chelsea Coyne

Demi McCormack, Johnny McCormack and Mike Plank

Maryellen Walsh, Maggie Miller, and Dani Kattan

Jacob Shipp and David Denenburg

Lindsay Yates, Debbie Festari, Courtney Hopson, Melissa Mithoff, and Stephanie Wilcox

Jenny Weber and Allison Bagley

Laura Resendez and Lloyd Segall

Kevin Henry, Danielle Dubois, and Jim Janke

Parties

THE WRATH OF Hurricane Beryl couldn’t stop the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo from presenting 70 students, representing 57 Future Farmers of America chapters from across Texas, with $1.4 million in scholarships to a college of their choice. Scholarships were awarded at last week’s 96th annual Texas FFA State Convention which, amazingly, was held July 8-12 in the George R. Brown Convention Center for the first time in 20 years. The scholarship awards are part of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s $27.3 million dollar commitment this year to support Texas youth and statewide educational programs.

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People + Places

Both locations of The Pit Room are open today, July 9.

WITH POWER OUTAGES over many portions of the city, Houstonians need alternative places to cool off more than ever before. Below is an updated list of open restaurants where you can eat well and stay a while. Pack up and seek out one of these respites!

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Food