Federal American Grill Thrives After COVID-19 Clash

Houston restaurant that defied pandemic orders now has 5 locations and a 6th on the way

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Six years after a high-profile clash with Texas officials over COVID-19 restrictions, Federal American Grill has expanded to five locations in the Houston area and has plans to open a sixth in 2026. The restaurant, known for its upscale casual American fare and extensive whiskey selection, faced backlash but also support from the community when it kept its doors open during the pandemic.

Why it matters

Federal American Grill's story highlights the complex dynamics facing restaurants during the pandemic, as some chose to defy government orders while others complied. The restaurant's ability to not only survive but thrive in the years since suggests that taking a defiant stance can sometimes pay off, though it also raises questions about the role of businesses in public health crises.

The details

Federal American Grill, owned by Matt Brice, first opened in 2013 in Houston's Rice Military neighborhood. A second location opened in Hedwig Village in 2020. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Federal American Grill kept its doors open, defying stay-at-home orders from Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo. This decision drew both criticism and support from the community. Despite the controversy, Federal American Grill has since expanded to five locations in the Houston area, with a sixth planned for the River Oaks neighborhood in 2026.

  • Federal American Grill opened its first location in 2013.
  • The second location opened in Hedwig Village in 2020.
  • The restaurant defied COVID-19 stay-at-home orders in 2020.
  • Federal American Grill now has five locations in the Houston area.
  • A sixth location is planned to open in River Oaks in 2026.

The players

Matt Brice

The owner of Federal American Grill, whose background includes Cyclone Anaya's and casual restaurant company Brinker International.

Greg Abbott

The Texas Governor who issued stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic that Federal American Grill defied.

Lina Hidalgo

The Harris County Judge who issued stay-at-home orders during the COVID-19 pandemic that Federal American Grill defied.

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What’s next

Federal American Grill plans to open a sixth location in the River Oaks area of Houston sometime in 2026.

The takeaway

Federal American Grill's ability to not only survive but expand in the years following its defiance of COVID-19 restrictions suggests that taking a principled stand, even if controversial, can sometimes pay off for businesses. However, the restaurant's story also raises questions about the role and responsibility of businesses during public health crises.