As the restaurant scene in southern Montgomery County continues to grow, another new dining concept is headed to one of the region’s busiest entertainment destinations. Zio Al’s Pizza & Pasta is expected to open at Metropark Square in 2026, bringing its late-night pizza and Italian comfort food concept to the fast-growing Shenandoah and The Woodlands area.
The announcement marks another high-profile addition to Metropark Square, the mixed-use lifestyle development located just off Interstate 45 near The Woodlands. The center has rapidly evolved into a major entertainment and dining hub for residents across Montgomery County, attracting visitors with a blend of restaurants, retail, hotels, and family-oriented attractions.
Founded in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, Zio Al’s Pizza & Pasta has built a loyal following thanks to its oversized pizzas, wings, pasta dishes, sandwiches, and late-night hours. The restaurant chain is particularly popular among younger diners and families looking for casual Italian-American food served well into the evening. According to the company, many locations stay open until 3 a.m., helping the brand stand out in a crowded pizza market.
In addition to traditional pizzas and pasta favorites, Zio Al’s is also known for incorporating Middle Eastern influences into parts of its menu, including specialty pies inspired by Mediterranean flavors. The company first launched in 2010 and has steadily expanded throughout North Texas before pushing into the Houston market in recent years.
The Shenandoah location will place the restaurant in one of the area’s most visible commercial developments. Metropark Square spans roughly 70 acres and includes approximately 175,000 square feet of retail, dining, entertainment, hospitality, and residential space. Developed by the Sam Moon Group, the center opened its first phase in 2019 and has continued adding tenants as the surrounding population grows.
Today, Metropark Square features attractions such as AMC Theatres, Dave & Buster’s, Escapology, BRKTHROUGH, and Hyatt House, along with a growing lineup of restaurants and specialty retailers. Dining options currently include concepts ranging from ramen and sushi to burgers, crawfish, bubble tea, and dessert shops.
The arrival of Zio Al’s further strengthens Metropark Square’s identity as a destination where visitors can dine, shop, and spend an evening without leaving the property. Its late-night operating model could also complement the entertainment venues already located at the center, giving moviegoers and arcade patrons another after-hours dining option nearby.
For Shenandoah officials and developers, the continued expansion of Metropark Square reflects the broader commercial growth taking place around The Woodlands corridor. As more residents move to Montgomery County and surrounding suburbs, mixed-use destinations that combine entertainment, restaurants, and walkable public spaces are becoming increasingly attractive to both consumers and businesses.
An official opening date for Zio Al’s Pizza & Pasta has not yet been announced, but signage for the new restaurant is already in place at Metropark Square.
