New restaurants are in and Pappas is out at Houston Hobby Airport

HOUSTON – Airport travelers were surprised to see new restaurants, such as Gastrohub, at Hobby Airport on Friday. That’s where Dad’s BBQ used to be.

This comes after the Houston City Council voted to enter into an agreement with the group, Areas, to handle restaurant operations for the next 10 years. This led to a legal battle which Pappas lost.

Some travelers weren’t sure about the change.

“To see it gone is kind of sad for me,” Tolani Are said.

The Houston Airport System announced eight new temporary restaurants to replace Pappas. They include Gastrohub Bistro & Bar, Gastrohub, Streat, Streat Bar, Latrelle’s Mexican Kitchen, Pink’s Pizza, Pick Up Stix and Hubcap Bar & Grill.

“I mean everything deserves a try, you know,” Josh said.

Pappas officially moved out at 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Pappas officials say they were not allowed to take equipment that is rightfully theirs.

They released this statement:

“Today, HAS and the City of Houston refused to allow us to leave our seats at Hobby Airport. We were working extraordinarily hard to remove all removable equipment when our team was met by the head of airport security and law enforcement who instructed them not to remove equipment purchased by Pappas Restaurants. The city is working on behalf of Areas to forcibly acquire expensive equipment without paying. The behavior of the city continues to be shameful. Houston deserves better.” – Christina Pappas

City of Houston Legal responded, saying a contract said otherwise.

“The contractual arrangement between the City and Pappas allows Pappas to remove “removable” fixtures at the end of the contract term, and Pappas is and has been free to do so. However, Pappas also seeks to dismantle and remove other key fixtures, such as three compartment sinks, which are bolted or otherwise “permanently” attached to the Hobby Airport. Such removals are contractually unacceptable, cause damage to airport facilities and will inevitably cause disruption to customer service as the airport changes supplier. Pappas has been repeatedly reminded of its contractual obligation to leave these “permanent” fixtures in place, and these reminders have been ignored. The city will continue to honor its contractual obligations to ensure a smooth transition as the sites take over space previously operated by Pappas.”- COH Legal.

A total of 20 permanent dining and retail concepts will be open by the end of 2024.

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