Today we’d like to introduce you to Paul Prior.
Hi Paul , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Founded in 1937 by Aubrey and Nona Lankford, Lankford’s began as a mom-and-pop grocery store in Houston’s Fourth Ward, also known as Freedmen’s Town. In the early 1980s, the business entered a new chapter under the leadership of their daughter, Eydie Lankford Prior, and her husband, Deryl “Cotton” Ridenhour, who together transformed the neighborhood market into an icehouse and later a full-service restaurant as the surrounding area evolved into what is now Midtown. Over the decades, Lankford’s became widely known for its burgers and comfort food, earning recognition as one of Houston’s best burger destinations. The restaurant has been featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” “The Texas Bucket List” and Texas Highways’ “Worth the Drive.” Following Prior’s retirement in 2021, leadership of the family business transitioned to the third generation, led by Paul and Jessica Prior. Now entering its fourth generation, Lankford’s continues to grow across Greater Houston while remaining rooted in the history, community and hospitality that have defined the brand for more than 80 years. Locations include Midtown, Bellaire and The Woodlands.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Lankford’s has been around since 1937, and with that kind of history comes a wide range of challenges. Different economic cycles have created periods of uncertainty, and like many small businesses, we felt the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in a major way—especially as a cash-only operation at the time.
We had to adapt quickly, shifting our business model to accept multiple forms of payment and embracing third-party platforms like Uber Eats and DoorDash, along with launching online ordering. Beyond that, the constantly evolving Houston food scene has kept us on our toes. With new restaurants and burger concepts opening all the time, staying relevant means continually being creative while still honoring what’s made us a staple for so many years.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Lankford’s is a Houston-born burger institution with roots dating back to 1937. What began as a small market along the bayou has grown into a beloved neighborhood restaurant known for doing the basics exceptionally well — handcrafted burgers, cold drinks and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere that feels like home.
We specialize in fresh, never-frozen burgers made to order, built on a custom chuck blend developed exclusively for Lankford’s. Through a partnership with a Minnesota-based purveyor that works directly with Texas ranchers, we’re able to source our beef locally while maintaining consistency and quality across locations. It’s a farm-to-table approach that allows us to support regional producers while delivering a better product to our guests.
While burgers are at the core of what we do, our offerings extend to shareable starters, sandwiches, wings and a full bar program, making us a go-to spot for everything from a casual lunch to a lively night out.
What sets Lankford’s apart is our ability to honor tradition while continuing to evolve. We’ve stayed true to our roots — quality ingredients, generous portions and genuine hospitality — while being intentional about where our ingredients come from and how our food is prepared. There’s a strong sense of nostalgia tied to the brand, but it never feels stuck in the past.
Brand-wise, we’re most proud of the legacy we’ve built in Houston and the loyalty of our guests across generations. Being a place where families, friends and regulars gather year after year is something we don’t take lightly. At the same time, we’re proud to grow into new communities while strengthening our commitment to sourcing and quality.
At its core, Lankford’s is about consistency, community and character. We want guests to know they can always expect a great burger made with thoughtfully sourced ingredients, a relaxed environment and a team that genuinely cares about their experience.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
At Lankford’s, we don’t view risk as something to chase — we view it as something to approach thoughtfully and with purpose. Any risk we take has to align with who we are at our core: a legacy Houston brand built on consistency, quality and genuine hospitality.
The biggest risks we’ve taken have been our expansions beyond the original Midtown location, specifically opening in Bellaire and The Woodlands. There’s always a level of uncertainty when you grow a concept that has such deep roots in one place. For us, the concern wasn’t just about entering new markets — it was about protecting the integrity of the brand. We never wanted to become perceived as a chain or lose the character that made Lankford’s what it is.
That meant being intentional about every detail, from the food to the guest experience. Maintaining the same quality, flavor and hospitality that people have known and loved for decades at our original location was non-negotiable. Growth only made sense if we could deliver that same experience consistently, no matter the location.
Our perspective on risk is ultimately grounded in balance. We’re willing to evolve and expand, but not at the expense of what defines us. Every decision is measured against the question: does this still feel like Lankford’s? If the answer is yes, then it’s a risk worth taking.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lankfordsburgers.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lankfordgrocery/ | https://www.instagram.com/lankfordsbellaire/ | https://www.instagram.com/lankfordsthewoodlands/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17ptYJbhW1/ | https://www.facebook.com/share/1DczARUVNf/ | https://www.facebook.com/share/1M7xCucMmb/
