Houston's mole master

Pioneering Houston Mexican restaurant will shutter after 44 years

Chef Arnaldo Richards is closing Picos.

Courtesy of Picos

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.

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H-E-B names 3 innovative Houston food companies among 'Texas Best'

H-E-B Quest for Texas Best Hive Food Co.

Photo courtesy of H-E-B

Hive Food Co. is known for its infused honey.

After months of pouring over video submissions, H-E-B is entering the final leg of its annual grocery games. The San Antonio-based supermarket chain has narrowed down the finalists for its annual Quest for Texas Best competition, including three from Houston.

Ten innovative Texas entrepreneurs were chosen from a record-breaking 978 entries representing more than 500 companies spread across the Lone Star State.

Now in its 13th year, the contest asks Texas small businesses to put their best foot forward for the chance to win a combined $100,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to be stocked on H-E-B shelves. Since the competition's beginning, the grocer has discovered more than 1,000 unique products, many of which have become literal household names.

“Quest for Texas Best is more than a competition; it is a launchpad for Texas entrepreneurs,” said James Harris, senior director of diversity & inclusion and supplier diversity for H‑E‑B, in a release. “H‑E‑B began as a small business, and we know firsthand how powerful the right opportunity can be.”

This year, the San Antonio and Houston regions were at the head of the pack with three finalist nods each. But the entrepreneurs hailed from all over the state — from border town Roma to Fort Worth suburb Haltom City. The top 10 hopefuls include:

Boerne — Coley’s Foods Inc., a frozen cookie dough company
Floresville — Dean & Peeler Meats, a beef producer known for its smoked Gouda sausage and Angus tallow
San Antonio — WFN Foods, maker of heat-and-serve taco fillings like beef barbacoa, pork carnitas, and carne guisada
Roma — In Your Smokin' Face, a spice company specializing in bold chile piquín and carne asada blends
Haltom City — Sol Dias, a gourmet paleta and Mexican ice cream company
Glenn Heights — Uncle Marc’s, a manufacturer of barbecue seasonings, rubs, and sauces
Houston — Doggie Express, a small-batch maker of decorated treats for canine celebrations
Houston — Big Bayou Cocktail Sauce, a saucy supplier branching out to Bloody Mary and margarita mixes
Houston — Hive Food Co., beekeepers known for gourmet infused honey
Bastrop — La Fregona, creators of a chile sauce for elotes and esquites

The final contenders will pitch their products on October 8 at H-E-B's headquarters in San Antonio, where judges will determine the top four winning products and award $50,000 to the Grand Prize winner and the "Texas Best" title — an honor that guarantees placement on H-E-B store shelves.

The first-place winner will receive $25,000, the second-place winner will receive $15,000, and the third-place winner will receive $10,000.

Since 2014, H-E-B has handed out nearly $2.75 million in prize money to Texas entrepreneurs. But Quest for Texas Best isn’t just about capital: the winners receive marketing, mentoring, and supplemental support to grow their brands. Fifty-five Texas small businesses that took part in the contest have achieved $1 million in sales and earned a commemorative H-E-B Million Dollar Club belt buckle.

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