There's something unmistakably inviting about Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar when you walk in. Maybe it's the warm glow of the interior that feels like a mountain retreat, or perhaps it's the way the scent of scratch-made comfort food greets you at the door. Whatever it is, this isn't just another chain restaurant dropping into town—it's a carefully crafted gathering place that has quickly woven itself into the fabric of Cypress.
"Lazy Dog was inspired by the idea of creating a warm, inviting place where people can escape the hustle of everyday life and share great food with the people they love," explains Chris Simms, CEO and Founder of Lazy Dog Restaurants. "I wanted to capture the feeling of being in a small mountain town—cozy, welcoming, and connected to nature."
When Chris Simms and his team looked at potential locations for expansion, Cypress stood out for all the right reasons. "Cypress was a natural fit for us because it has that strong sense of community we look for when we decide where to grow," he adds. "We wanted to be part of a place where neighbors gather, families make memories, and everyone feels welcome."
That community-first philosophy isn't just talk. Since opening their doors, Lazy Dog has actively participated in local fundraisers, festivals, and events supporting Cypress families, schools, and organizations. General Manager Jake Osterkamp sees the restaurant's role extending far beyond serving meals. "Being part of the community is at the heart of who we are," Jake Osterkamp notes. "Our goal is to be more than just a restaurant. We want to be a gathering place where neighbors can come together, share good food, and feel like they belong."
Walk through those doors, and the experience speaks for itself. "When guests walk into Lazy Dog, they'll notice right away that it feels a little different, like stepping into a cozy mountain lodge," Jake Osterkamp describes.
The menu delivers exactly what you'd hope for—comfort food classics alongside creative seasonal dishes and handcrafted cocktails. But there are surprises too, like their take-home made-from-scratch TV dinners and the Lazy Dog Beer Club for enthusiasts. "Whether you're stopping by for a casual weeknight meal, a special celebration, or just to relax with friends, you'll feel right at home here," Jake Osterkamp promises.
Like every restaurant, Lazy Dog has navigated its share of industry challenges in recent years. Their response? Innovation rooted in genuine care. "We've had to stay flexible and creative, listening to what our guests need and finding ways to meet them where they are," Chris Simms explains.
That means introducing convenient TV dinners for busy families and keeping the menu fresh with seasonal offerings and value-driven options like the new $15 Fireside Favorites—a choice of six entrees paired with a S'mores Brownie Sundae. "We've also focused on strengthening connections with our teammates and our communities, because we believe that's what truly sustains us," Chris Simms adds.
Looking ahead, the vision remains clear: thoughtful expansion that never loses sight of what matters most. "We're excited to continue bringing Lazy Dog to new neighborhoods while keeping that same sense of care, community, and hospitality that defines us," remarks Chris Simms.
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, Lazy Dog offers something increasingly rare—a place to slow down, savor good food, and connect with the people around you. And in Cypress, that's exactly what neighbors have been looking for.