Texas Business Formations Show Strength in Limited-Service Restaurants and Beauty Salons
Texas new business formations remained robust this week, with a total of 2,569 new businesses statewide. This figure represents a healthy 7.8% increase compared to the same week last year. While overall volume aligns with historical trends, significant growth in specific sectors like Limited-Service Restaurants and Beauty Salons signals dynamic shifts within the Texas business landscape.
Steady Business Climate in Texas
New business formations in Texas continue to demonstrate stability, with 2,569 openings recorded this week. This number falls within the typical historical range for this time of year and places this week in the 60th percentile compared to historical data. A year-over-year increase of 7.8% from 2,383 new businesses formed during the same week last year indicates sustained entrepreneurial activity across the state. This positive trend aligns with recent recognition of Texas as a top state for starting a business; according to a WalletHub study, Texas ranked No. 3 in the nation (culturemap.com). Sales professionals looking to capitalize on these openings can leverage B2B data services like Texas Business Leads to identify and pursue new opportunities. Read our blog post on 3 Tips to Find New Business Opportunities.
Industry Highlights: Restaurants and Beauty Shine
While the overall number of new business formations remains consistent, notable shifts occurred within specific industries. Limited-Service Restaurants experienced a surge, with openings doubling from the previous week. Beauty Salons also saw a 100% increase in new formations. These trends suggest a growing demand for convenient dining options and personal care services across Texas. The restaurant industry, in general, appears vibrant, with several anticipated openings in Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth (culturemap.com, youtube.com). Texas Workforce Commission is also recognizing Career and Technical Education Month (youtube.com) by supporting programs that help students prepare for these high-demand jobs.
Geographic Distribution and Top Industries
This week, a data anomaly prevents identifying the leading county for new business formations. However, at the city level, Houston continues to lead with 260 new businesses, followed by San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses remains the top industry, with 388 new businesses, followed by Mobile Food Services. HB 2844 is attempting to create a uniform statewide licensing system for mobile food vendors in Texas (PolicyEngage). This trend underscores the growing importance of e-commerce and food delivery services in the Texas economy. Consider reading our blog post on How to Pursue Leads to Grow Sales to make sure you are reaching the most promising new companies.
This Week's Data
Top Counties by New Business Formations
| Rank | County | New Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Unknown | 2,569 |
Top Business Types
| Rank | Industry | New Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses | 388 |
| 2 | Mobile Food Services | 110 |
| 3 | Full-Service Restaurants | 83 |
| 4 | Other Direct Selling Establishments | 79 |
| 5 | Limited-Service Restaurants | 77 |
| 6 | All Other Miscellaneous Store Retailers (except Tobacco Stores) | 56 |
| 7 | All Other General Merchandise Stores | 53 |
| 8 | General Automotive Repair | 44 |
| 9 | Beauty Salons | 43 |
| 10 | Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars | 41 |
Top Cities
| Rank | City | New Businesses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Houston | 260 |
| 2 | San Antonio | 142 |
| 3 | Austin | 136 |
| 4 | Dallas | 110 |
| 5 | Fort Worth | 86 |
| 6 | El Paso | 43 |
| 7 | Katy | 42 |
| 8 | Spring | 34 |
| 9 | Arlington | 31 |
| 10 | Brownsville | 29 |
Week of February 02, 2026.
Ready to grow your business?
Get fresh Texas business leads delivered to your inbox every Monday.