One of the worst-kept secrets in the Houston culinary scene is that Ronnie Killen wants to open a Tex-Mex restaurant. He's been showcasing Tex-Mex food on his menus, and this Chronicle piece has Killen quoted as saying he wants to open a Tex-Mex restaurant. So, again, one of the worst-kept secrets.

But here's a clue that all systems are go: Killen's TMX LLC, owned solely by Ronnie Killen, has filed an application for a food-and-beverage certificate with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. The planned location is 9330 Broadway St., Suite 200, in Pearland. That's a 5-mile drive west from Killen's Barbecue, and a 3-mile drive west from Killen's Steakhouse.

Recent visitors to Killen's Barbecue have been able to test some of the fare a Killen's Tex-Mex restaurant might feature, including brisket and smoked chicken enchiladas, a barbecue quesadilla, brisket tacos, and brisket queso.

A spokesperson said that, as of Sunday, a lease had not yet been signed for the space. We'll update if we receive more information.