A new school year brings fresh notebooks, packed schedules, and the familiar scramble to settle back into a routine. Fortunately, several Houston-area restaurants are helping families and educators ease the transition with free meals, dining deals, and a few celebratory mimosas.
From complimentary kolaches and kids meals to teacher appreciation offers and post-drop-off brunch parties, these back-to-school promotions give students, parents, and school employees something to look forward to as summer vacation comes to an end.
Molina’s
Molina’s Cantina is thanking the people preparing Houston-area students for another school year with a dining discount of their own. From August 3 through 7 and again August 10 through 14, teachers, administrators and other school employees can receive 20% off their dine-in meals at all three Molina’s locations by presenting a valid school ID. Alcohol is excluded, but there is still plenty of room on the table for queso, enchiladas and fajitas. Multiple locations, molinascantina.com
Zanti
Zanti Cucina Italiana is giving educators a well-deserved dining break before the school year gets into full swing. Through Friday, August 7, teachers who present a valid school or teacher ID will receive 20% off the entire table’s bill at either Zanti location. The offer excludes Houston Restaurant Weeks menus. Multiple locations, zanticucina.com
Hungry’s
Hungry’s is making the final weekend of summer vacation easier on family budgets with free meals for kids at all three Houston locations on Saturday, August 8 and Sunday, August 9. Young diners can choose from familiar favorites such as chicken tenders, penne pasta, cheese pizza and cheeseburgers. Families who miss the weekend promotion can still take advantage of Hungry’s regular kids-eat-free offer every Monday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Multiple locations, hungryscafe.com
Local Table
Once kids are back in class, Local Table is inviting moms to trade the carpool line for a mimosa. Beginning at 8 a.m., each Local Table location will host a Moms & Mimosas celebration featuring a DJ, brunch bites, and plenty of bubbles. Dates correspond with the first day of school in each community: Garden Oaks on Monday, August 10, Missouri City on Tuesday, August 11, and Cypress, Cinco Ranch, Fulshear and the Woodlands on Wednesday August 12. Multiple locations, eatatlocaltable.com
Plucker’s
Back-to-school season can be chaotic, but Pluckers Wing Bar is making at least one family meal easier. From August 10 through 16, every adult entrée purchased comes with a complimentary meal for one K–12 student at all Plucker’s locations. Children ages 10 and younger receive a free kids meal, while students older than 10 can choose an adult entrée valued at up to $17 with a valid student ID. Multiple locations, pluckers.com
Kolache Shoppe
Kolache Shoppe is making the first week of school a little sweeter—and more savory—for Houston-area students. Diners ages 18 and younger can receive one free small fruit-filled or savory kolache with any purchase at participating locations. The offer runs August 10 through 14 at the Greenway and Memorial shops, followed by August 17 through 21 in Pearland. The promotion is limited to one complimentary item per purchase and is available while supplies last. Multiple locations, kolacheshoppe.com
Pier 6
Pier 6 is giving parents a waterfront reward for surviving another long Houston summer. On Wednesday, August 12, the San Leon restaurant will host a Back-to-School Brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring a special menu from chef Joe Cervantez, half-price glasses and bottles of Champagne Telmont and San Simeon Sauvignon Blanc, and festive décor for celebratory first-day selfies. Child-free diners are welcome to join the fun. 113 Sixth St., San Leon, pier6seafood.com
