One of Houston’s most enduring Mexican restaurants will serve its last meals in September. Picos will close at some point in the next two months, chef-owner Arnaldo Richards announced.

In a statement, the restaurant cites the “ongoing economic pressures and shifting consumer behaviors that have significantly impacted the restaurant industry” as the reasons behind the decision. Richards told the Houston Chronicle that Picos sales declined 18-percent in 2025 compared to 2024.

The Richards family shared a message to the restaurant’s customers on social media that reads in part:

We are proud of what we’ve accomplished and so thankful for the relationships we’ve built. We will truly miss our daily interactions, the laughter, and all the memories we’ve shared.

Thank you for your loyalty and support throughout the years. It is what allowed me to live out my dream. I’ll always be grateful for that and for the family we’ve built together.

Richards opened the first location of Picos in Southwest Houston in 1984. At a time when Tex-Mex dominated the city, Picos quickly drew an enthusiastic following for serving dishes inspired by Mexico’s seven regions. In particular, fans hailed the restaurant’s different moles, enchiladas, and other flavorful fare. It also served its signature shaker margaritas — made with freshly squeezed lime juice and good tequila — at a time when many restaurants still used sweet and sour mix.

In 2014, Picos reininvented itself from hidden gem to destination restaurant by moving to its current location at 3601 Kirby Drive. The expansive location featured an all-new interior with design elements imported from Mexico, a dedicated bar area, and a private dining room stocked with spirit lockers which the restaurant’s most loyal customers could stock with the favorite bottles (for an annual rental fee, of course).

Over the past 10-plus years, Picos on Kirby has been known for its over-the-top, parking lot Cinco de Mayo party, its seasonal tamale trailer, and epic Sunday brunch buffet.

Thankfully, Houstonians will have plenty of time to say goodbye. Between now and the end of September, Picos will host a series of farewell dinners to celebrate its legacy. An exact closing date will be shared in the weeks to come.

“This was not a decision made lightly,” Richards said in a statement. “We’ve weathered many seasons over the past 44 years, but the current economic climate and changes in how people dine have made it impossible for us to continue operating in the way our guests have come to know and love.”

While the impending closure is sad, Richards will not be exiting the food scene. FajitasDelivery.com — his recently-launched website to deliver fajitas and more to homes, offices, and private events — will continue to operate, a representative tells CultureMap.