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