Houston, TX – March 10, 2025 – The Brays Oaks Management District is thrilled to announce the opening of a new Starbucks location, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Fondren Southwest community. 

A Journey of Transformation 

Eighteen years ago, this property began transforming when a portion was sold to McDonald’s Corporation in 2001. McDonald’s requested a 25-year deed restriction for any other food establishment to be built on this property, anticipating the high potential of this corner. Eight years ago, developers started showing interest, knowing the deed restrictions were about to lift. In 2020, the property went through three different owners and was on the verge of closing. Kevin Moore of McKinney Investments, known for turning around struggling McDonald’s stores in Houston, invested $1 million to upgrade and redevelop the restaurant in 2021. This investment attracted even more developers, but we needed the right kind of developer for our community. 

Collaborative Efforts 

The Brays Oaks Management District and David Hawes of Hawes Hill met with Chris Campion of CAC Realty Group, who purchased the property and sold it to Ponderosa Development. With the support of Houston City Councilmember Martha Castex-Tatum, Brays Oaks Management District worked with the City of Houston departments to widen West Airport, create a turning lane, and install a traffic signal at Riceville School Road and West Airport, making the property attractive to Class A retailers. 

A Vision Realized 

Two years after Ponderosa purchased the property, Brays Oaks held multiple meetings with various interested businesses and community stakeholders to determine the type of retail that would go into the space. Ultimately, Starbucks won the day. For the last two and a half years, the Brays Oaks Management District has worked tirelessly with the developer, Ponderosa Land Development, to facilitate the infrastructure on this old ranch property, which had no utilities, into a place the entire community can enjoy and benefit from. Together, Brays Oaks Management District and Ponderosa Development have set a new standard for our Fondren Southwest community.  

“As a stakeholder of this great community, I actually had to look back to find out how long it has been that we have been working on this particular parcel in the Brays Oaks Management District, said Sheri L. Cortez, Brays Oaks Management Board Member and Chair of the Business and Economic Development Committee, I am thrilled we have brought this project across the finish line – this definitely signals a new chapter in our community’s story.” 

A Bright Future 

“We are incredibly excited that Starbucks shares our vision for this community. This development will increase property values, drive economic growth, and encourage young families to enter the City of Houston through this gateway.” Ralph Rieger, Chairman of the Brays Oaks Management District.  

Starbucks, which will open on March 10, 2025, marks the first of many high-quality Class A developers, retailers, and businesses in the Brays Oaks Management District community. 

For more information on Brays Oaks Management District, visit www.braysoaksmd.org. 

For more information on Ponderosa Land Development, visit ponderosaland.com.   

Media Contact: 
Comse Garcia 
Director of Services 
Brays Oaks Management District 
10103 Fondren Rd., Suite 300 
Houston, Texas 77096
(832)584-5780
www.braysoaksmd.org