Rodeo season in Houston is in full swing, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a fun time of fine dining, high style, and a star-studded guest list. For the fourth year in a row, Ben Berg and his ever-growing hospitality empire have brought back The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse, a RodeoHouston dining experience that blends rustic charm with top-tier cuisine. And to mark the occasion, Berg Hospitality Group threw an unforgettable VIP party on March 4, where over 300 of Houston’s elite gathered to toast to the return of The Ranch.
An afternoon of Glamour, Good Company, and Even Better Bites
From the moment guests arrived, it was clear this wasn’t your average rodeo kickoff. The day shimmered with Houston’s most stylish, including Melissa Mithoff, Demi McCormack, Brittany Franklin, Lindsay Yates, Gina and Peter Faucetta, Brandon Duliakas, Armie Sadeghr, Fady Aramanious, Ellie and Michael Francisco, Jacob Fairchild, Cade Killingsworth, Alley Leto, and yours truly, Roz Pactor. Of course, the man of the hour, Ben Berg himself, was there to welcome everyone with a heartfelt speech, reflecting on the restaurant’s journey and the exciting new experiences in store for this year’s Rodeo season.
The VIPs sipped on a selection of wine, beer, and The Ranch’s all-new frozen margaritas—a refreshing and delicious first-time addition. And let’s talk about the food—because no Berg event is complete without a menu that dazzles. Guests indulged in Mini Crab Cakes, Truffle Chicken Salad, Crab Tostaditas, Mini Carpet Baggers, Mini Beef Wellington, and Pigs in a Blanket, showcasing the culinary excellence The Ranch is known for.
Art, Instagram-Worthy Moments, and Rodeo-Ready Style
As if the food and drinks weren’t enough, also featured is an artistic showcase from Texas-based artist Laura Goodson, whose stunning Western-themed pieces are adorning the space throughout the Rodeo season. Guests had the chance to walk through the collection and even purchase their favorite pieces from a collection of her ongoing series of cowboys, cowgirls, and bandits. Starting with 93 pieces of original works — the largest collection of her work ever shown — spanning paintings, sculpture, and her newly-created neon collect. Art. collector take note: with Goodson, who does not do prints…..only originals are available for purchase!
For those looking to capture the moment, Round Top vintage expert Modern Marla (Marla Hurey) set up a one-of-a-kind photobooth featuring some of her latest finds—think stylish, rustic-chic perfection. Let’s just say, if you didn’t get a picture there, were you even at The Ranch?
The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse: Your Must-Visit Rodeo Destination
With its prime location at NRG Park (right by the southwest corner of the NRG Astrodome), The Ranch is open for the entirety of Rodeo season, March 4-23. Whether you’re coming for a post-rodeo dinner or looking for a lively late-night spot with DJ sets every evening, this is the place to be. Reservations are now available via OpenTable, and trust us—you’ll want to book your table before it’s too late!
Ben Berg has once again given Houston a reason to celebrate, and if this VIP kickoff party is any indication, The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse is set to be the Rodeo season’s hottest dining destination. So, dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a culinary experience that’s as stylish as it is delicious. See you at The Ranch!
