Exclusive: Kirkwood, American restaurant from Mac Haik Restaurant Group, opens with grand build-out

By Aviva Bechky, Staff Writer April 29, 2026 Mac Haik — once an NFL wide receiver, now a Houston business mogul — doesn’t much like to be the center of attention. But at his newest restaurant in the Energy Corridor, every detail is about him. 

By the entryway, a glittering domed ceiling references the fact that Haik once caught the first touchdown in the then-brand-new Astrodome. His jersey hangs in the hallway to the bathroom. Photos of Haik and his wife adorn some of the shelves. Even the bar chairs are designed to echo Porsche seats, a nod to the car Haik once bought.

Kirkwood, an American restaurant, opens May 11 inside Energy Tower II, 11720 Katy Fwy. Suite 140. Its menu skews toward country club classics: salads, burgers, a pork chop, a turkey avocado club. The build-out, planned by Gin Design Group, leans grandiose. The 242-seat space features a private dining room, a sunroom, two bars, an open kitchen and a comfortable “study” area with couches. 

“Who’s going to come here?” Anfinson asked. “Everybody.”

View Full Article: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/food-restaurants/article/kirkwood-energy-corridor-american-restaurant-22188130.php

April 29, 2026

Aviva Bechky

Food Reporter

Aviva Bechky is a food reporter for the Houston Chronicle.

They have previously written for the San Francisco Chronicle, Seattle Times and the Oregonian. Their portfolio includes profiles, breaking restaurant news, and stories about dining trends and farming.  Born in Washington, D.C., Bechky, a Trekkie whose favorite food is sour cabbage fish soup, loves to knit and read sci-fi in their spare time.

Aviva graduated from Northwestern University with a journalism degree.