Longtime local favorite Texas Roadhouse is relocating to a new spot at the San Jacinto Marketplace redevelopment, where officials say construction is surging forward with major tenants breaking ground and some businesses expected to open by Christmas this year.
Bruce Wood, property manager for developer Fidelis Realty Partners, shared the optimistic update Tuesday during a meeting of the Joint Board of Directors of the Baytown Redevelopment Authority and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 1 and No. 2.
Wood highlighted that Texas Roadhouse, a popular dining staple in Baytown, will move to a fresh location within the open-air center, transforming the former San Jacinto Mall site. Bubba’s 33, part of the Texas Roadhouse family of restaurants, is also slated for the development.
“Texas Roadhouse will be relocating to a new location there on the San Jacinto Marketplace site,” Wood said.
Other confirmed tenants include Dick’s Sporting Goods, Sam’s Club, Ross, Burlington, Haverty Furniture, Five Below, Barnes & Noble and Bath & Body Works, along with various specialty stores for smaller spaces.
Wood reported significant progress since the October 2024 groundbreaking. This includes underground utilities, parking lots, roadwork and the lighting is nearly finished, with about 95% of roads complete. Dick’s Sporting Goods poured its foundation last week, with tilt-wall construction expected to start soon, marking the first vertical building rise. Sam’s Club’s general contractor mobilized recently.
Some of the Marketplace businesses are projected to open by Christmas this year, Wood said — a timeline TIRZ Chair Terry Sain praised as a potential boost for Baytown’s sales tax revenue.
The project, which aims for Phase 1 retail and restaurant openings by December 2026, faced minor rain-related delays but is now back on schedule, according to Wood. He plans to have an office on-site.
Board members inquired about backfilling vacant big-box spaces left by relocating retailers like Ross and Burlington. Economic Development Manager Brian Moran confirmed a strategy is underway for infill and backfill, though no specific prospects were announced.
Stephen DonCarlos, a TIRZ director, noted the market for repurposing such spaces is currently “very hot,” with expectations of quick re-leasing.
The board received the report without citizen comments or required action. Officials stressed ongoing collaboration with Fidelis to ensure a smooth transition and continued economic benefits for Baytown.
