now boarding for flavor...

3 Houston-area favorites open at Hobby Airport to launch big restaurant rollout

Just in time for Spring Break and summer travel, Hobby Airport has unveiled the first phase of its 20 planned restaurants and dining options for busy travelers passing through the only 5-Star Skytrax airport in North America.

This week, the airport officially opened The Spot/The Spot Bar, Velvet Taco, Fat Cat Creamery, and Dunkin Donuts. This mix of familiar local favorites and national, go-to names represents a desire to “celebrate Houston,” per a Houston Airports announcement.

Opening this first phase of restaurants also marks the beginning of Phase 2 of a four-phase food and beverage transition at Hobby. The four phases, which will roll out Summer 2024 through Spring 2025, will include instantly recognizable names such as Common Bond, Dish Society, Killen’s Barbeque, Landry’s Seafood, Pink’s Pizza, SpindleTap, The Rustic, and Throughgood Coffee.

The first phase of openings follow the plans laid out in two separate food and beverage concessions contracts between Houston Airports and Areas HOU JV and LaTrelle’s Management that Houston City Council approved early last year. The contracts mark a Houston Airports initiative to create a sense of community for local travelers, showcase Houston as a world-class dining destination to visitors, and create a five-star experience overall, per press materials.

Not that many locals will need a description of these local and national mainstays, but here’s a quick refresher on the newly opened destinations.

Velvet Taco
As CultureMap’s Eric Sandler notes, Velvet Taco serves up a variety of globally inspired fillings such as tikka masala chicken tenders with cilantro basmati rice, falafel with tahini crema, and shrimp and grits with Cajun remoulade.

Fat Cat Creamery
A Heights and Houston favorite, the shop scoops out artisanal, made-from-scratch ice cream in signature brown butter waffle cones. Look for shakes, sundaes, and other sweet escapes on the menu.

The Spot/The Spot Bar
Galveston’s “island famous” Seawall landmark has grown to other areas, dishing out comfort food faves, burgers, and more, with a fully stocked bar.

Dunkin' Donuts
Early-morning flyers who need a host of sweet, iced, and savory offerings and a massive hot or iced coffee can look for this iconic coffee-and-doughnut beacon.

Velvet Taco is coming to Memorial.

Courtesy of Velvet Taco

Velvet Taco has travel meals all wrapped up.

As for the restaurant phase rollout, plans call for the following schedule (with local denotations):

Phase 2 (Summer 2024)

The Rustic (local)
Starbucks
Throughgood Coffee (local)
Chick-fil-A
Pei Wei
Starbucks

Phase 3 (Fall 2024)

Killen’s Barbeque (local)
Common Bond Café (local)
Yard House
SpindleTap Brewery (local)

Phase 4 (Spring 2025)

Pink’s Pizza (local)
Wendy’s
Jersey Mike’s
Dish Society (local)
Landry’s Seafood House (local)

Hobby Airport’s restaurant journey has not been without controversy. Last year, as CultureMap reported, the beloved and mainstay Pappas Restaurants was forced to exit Hobby Airport after operating there for some 20 years, as part of the Areas agreement. At the time, Pappas Restaurant Group launched a social media campaign to encourage Houston City Council to reject the contract garnered more than 50,000 signatures. Pappas CEO Chris Pappas eventually issued a lengthy statement criticizing the vote and saying that the company will “explore legal options” related to the decision.

For now, Houston Airports looks to clear skies ahead as it rolls out the 20 dining destinations for locals and visitors. “Houston Airports is relentless in our quest to make our passengers happy,” noted Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports, in a statement. “I am confident these new concessions will elevate the already incredible experience guests of Hobby Airport have come to expect from the first and only 5-Star airport in North America.”

all routes lead to rome

New nonstop flight connects Houston with Rome for the first time

Photo courtest of Houston Airports

Houston Mayor John Whitmire listens as Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, discusses the addition of ITA Airways at IAH.

Thinking of a Roman holiday? The good news for Houstonians is that George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) will begin offering direct, nonstop flights to Rome starting next spring. It will be the first time IAH and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) in Fiumicino, Italy have connected nonstop.

“We welcome ITA Airways to Houston, as it reflects our city's prominence on the global stage," said Houston Mayor John Whitmire in a press conference held on Tuesday, December 2. "The first ever route between Houston and Rome will strengthen our business, diplomatic, and cultural ties with Italy. It will also bring more visitors to experience Houston's vibrant culture, world-class healthcare, and diverse industries."

Starting May 1, 2026, ITA Airways will offer three flights a week between Houston and Rome, expanding to five flights a week beginning June 1. Houston is ITA's ninth North American destination.

“Nonstop service to Rome is a defining moment for Houston and a direct result of the strength and credibility of our airport system. This route will bring new visitors, new investment, and new business opportunities into our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “It expands Houston’s presence in Europe and proves that disciplined, strategic growth at Houston Airports delivers measurable economic impact. Strong airports don’t just move people. They shape markets, expand opportunity and help define a city’s place in the world.”

Flights will be made via a Airbus A330-900. The model is renowned for its comfort on long flights, including ergonomic seats, ample personal space, and a quiet cabin. Appropriately, many of the interior cabin components are made in Italy and reflect an elegant European design.

Houston billionaire Tilman Fertitta, currently serving as America's ambassador to Italy, also welcomed the new route that connects his hometown with his current job.

“As a Texan and as the U.S. Ambassador to Italy, I’m thrilled by ITA’s new direct route between Houston and Rome," Fertitta said. "It strengthens the economic links that drive mutual understanding and shared prosperity. It was great working with ITA Airways CEO Joerg Eberhart, Mayor John Whitmire, and all the partners that helped make this possible.”

The new route to Rome continues the international expansion that has been happening at IAH over the last several years. Last year, the airport announced new non-stop flights to recent vacation hotspot, Puerto Escondido, Mexico. It was part of Houston Airports' goal of making Houston the gateway to America ahead of the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Now, it looks like IAH will be welcoming Italian soccer fans, as the routes open up just in time for the sports event next summer.

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