Houston-based sports bar chain Kirby Ice House is planning its first expansion into North Texas, according to recent filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. The brand has mapped out two new 13,200-square-foot locations in Irving and Plano, both featuring extensive indoor and outdoor areas.
Construction Timelines
Construction for both North Texas sites is slated to begin in early 2027. The Plano location at 208 Coit Road is expected to be completed in approximately six months.
The Irving venue, located at 1251 W Royal Lane, has a longer projected construction timeline running through March 2029. While ownership has previously expressed intent to expand statewide, Kirby Ice House has not yet released a formal public statement regarding these specific sites.
Background and Record-Breaking Bars
Founded in 2016 with its flagship location in Houston’s Upper Kirby neighborhood, Kirby Ice House presently has four locations across the Greater Houston area. Known for its location in Houston’s Heights neighborhood currently holds the record for the longest bar in Texas at 146 feet, breaking the previous record held by its venue in The Woodlands.
The Ice House Concept
The business model modernizes the traditional Texas ice house format. Each venue serves a full menu of beer, cocktails, and wine, alongside a daily rotating lineup of local food trucks. Amenities at the locations include outdoor backyard games and dozens of televisions designed to accommodate large crowds.
“The beautiful thing about Kirby Ice House is that there’s something for everyone,” said co-owner and founding partner Danny Evans in a press statement. “The fundamentals of Kirby Ice House are simple: Great service, ice cold beer, huge patios and the best place to watch games and host big events. It’s a Texas thing.”
