Airport Dining Upgrades

Airport dining promises to get a lot better as top Houston restaurants head to Bush Intercontinental

Bush Intercontinental Airport Terminal E waiting area IAH travelers

Dining at the airport will soon improve thanks to the addition of Hubcap Grill, Pink's Pizza and Hugo Ortega.

For too long, travelers who visit George Bush Intercontinental Airport might be under the mistaken impression that Houston is a culinary wasteland. Unless they're lucky enough to wind up in Terminal B where they'll find Bryan Caswell's 3rd Bar Oyster and Eating House or at one of the various Pappas family restaurants, the airport food largely consists of greasy pizza and mushy barbecue.

Thankfully, that's all about to change.

Hidden away in a release about the awarding of the latest round of airport concessions contracts comes news that IAH will soon be home to new outposts of Hubcap Grill, Pink's Pizza, The Breakfast Klub, Ray's Real Pit BBQ and a new concept from James Beard Award finalist Hugo Ortega called Hugo’s Concina.

The new concepts should all be open by the end of the year in a 10-year contract. (The Chronicle was first to report on the new arrivals.)

Other concepts include Tony's Wine Cellar & Bistro from Houston restaurateur Tony Vallone and La Brea, which is a carryout bakery cafe concept from James Beard Award winner Nancy Silverton, according to the Houston Business Journal.

These new options should give travelers who only experience Houston through its major airport something positive to remember about their experience. The concessions, which also include national operators like Starbucks, Hard Rock Cafe and Landry's Restaurants, are expected to generate more than $170 million in gross sales.

"We were looking for great service support on the frontline or in the after-sale period,” Houston aviation director Mario C. Diaz said in a statement. “This new lineup of choices offers world-class products, world-class service, and a world-class feel to a city and airports that are recognized for growth and innovation world-wide."

Let's give the last word to Hubcap Grill owner Ricky Craig, who tweeted the following about his new venture.

Yes. Hubcap Grill 4th location will be inside Bush Intercontinental Airport. Thanks for all the kind words. Very thankful n blessed

— Ricky Craig (@Hubcap_Grill) April 17, 2015

unspecified

another surprise shutter

Coastal-inspired Houston restaurant will shutter after 3 years in Montrose

Photo by Kirsten Gilliam

undefined

A Montrose restaurant devoted to fresh and healthy fare will soon serve its final meal. Graffiti Raw will close on December 31.

Located next to Uchi in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development, Graffiti Raw opened in early 2023. It is part of the Big Vibe Group, the hospitality company behind Coppa Osteria in Rice Village and Flora, the stylish Mexican restaurant in Buffalo Bayou Park.

Graffiti Raw took inspiration from coastal destinations such as Big Sur, Mexico, and the Mediterranean. True to its name, the menu included raw items such as tartare and ceviche alongside classic fare such as steak frites, chicken schnitzel, and crab fried rice.

“Since opening, Graffiti Raw has been a place for connection — from shared meals to vibrant

nights that reflected the creative energy of Houston. The Big Vibe Group is grateful to the

guests, team members, partners and the Montrose Collective community who helped shape the experience,” the company said in a statement.

Big Vibe emphasizes that both Coppa Osteria and Flora “remain central to the company’s long-term vision, with an emphasis on growth, consistency, and elevated hospitality.” It made a similar commitment to those concepts when it closed Gratify, a neighborhood bistro in Rice Village, back in 2024.

Montrose has seen a number of openings and closings, with additions such as jazz supperclub Doc’s and wine shop/bar Montrose Grocer. Paulie’s, a neighborhood staple for more than 25 years, will also close on December 31.

closings news-you-can-eat