Houston Airports soar with first-class awards in international ceremony

WORLD-CLASS SERVICE

Photo courtesy of Houston Airports

We can now dub Houston the city of first-class airports and first-class service.

During the 2023 Skytrax World Airport Awards in Amsterdam, the Houston airport system earned several prestigious honors, including a second consecutive five-star rating.

Skytrax is the leading international air transport rating organization; they determine their ratings based on annual audits of every airport. This year, the Houston airport system won in a new category that was unveiled at the ceremony – “Best Art in the Airport” – which was determined by a panel of judges.

Mario Diaz, the director of aviation for Houston Airports, said in a press release that superior customer service is the “guiding light” for the city’s airport system.

“Excellent customer service is at our core; an expansive and eclectic arts program, just awarded World’s Best Art Program in 2023, provides a meaningful and memorable experience,” said Diaz.

The awards continued to stack up. William P. Hobby Airport maintained its five-star rating for the second year in a row. It is one of 18 total five-star airports in the world, but the one and only five-star Skytrax airport in North America.

Other accolades the Hobby Airport earned include:

Best Regional Airport in North America, for the second consecutive year
No. 2 Best Airport in the United States
No. 3 Best Airport in North America

George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) maintained its four-star classification for the sixth year in a row. It was also named the fourth best airport in North America, and third best in the United States.

Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said the Skytrax awards reaffirm the city airports’ “dedication to detail and commitment to customer service.”

“Houston truly is a global city where our guests are valued and celebrated,” he praised. “Another year of [five]-star and [four]-star ratings is proof that the investments we continue to make in our Houston Airports arts program, airport infrastructure and technology and team members are smart and successful investments that lead to a world-class and award-winning passenger experience.”

More information about the awards can be found on fly2houston.com.

Courtesy of Houston Airports

Pappas exits Hobby Airport as City Council approves controversial, $470 million restaurant deal

10 new restaurants at Hobby

Hobby Airport will soon be home to a group of new restaurants thanks to a new concessions contract. In a 11-6 vote, Houston City Council approved the 10-year, $470 million agreement with a local subsidiary of Areas, a Spain-based company with operations in airports around the world, including more than 130 restaurants at 10 U.S. airports, according to a release.

Areas has partnered with a number of local restaurants, including Killen’s Barbecue, SpindleTap Brewery, and Galveston’s The Spot. National brands including Yard House, Raising Cane’s, and Starbucks are also part of the company’s plans.

Approving the agreement came with controversy. Areas will be replacing Houston’s Pappas Restaurants, which has operated at the airport for 20 years. A social media campaign to encourage council to reject the contract garnered more than 50,000 signatures. Pappas CEO Chris Pappas issued a lengthy statement criticizing the vote and saying that the company will “explore legal options” related to the decision.

“We are disappointed in the City of Houston’s decision. Houstonians deserve a fair and transparent procurement process that supports local businesses. We did not get that from our leaders,” Pappas said.

Pappas Restaurants will offer its airport employees positions at their other Houston-area restaurants with “the same compensation, benefits, and seniority as their current position,” he added.

Ultimately, the decision came down to money. The Areas contract emerged as the winner of the city’s scoring process due to the percentage of revenue that would be provided to the City of Houston.

"One thing that will always be concrete is the percent of revenue that comes back to the city. You can't change that," District J Councilmember Edward Pollard told the Houston Chronicle. "One group was 22.2 (percent), the other group was at 15.5 (percent). You can't change those numbers. That's the only thing that you can hang your hat on."

The city states that it followed the same procurement process for Hobby’s other concessions contract. In January, council approved a separate, 10-year agreement with LaTrelle’s Management that will bring local restaurants such as Dish Society, Fat Cat Creamery, and Common Bond to Hobby.Travelers should start to see the new restaurants opening later this year. All 10 new establishments are expected to open by November 2024.

As for the agreement, projections estimate that it will generate as much as $104 million for Houston airports. Areas will hire more than 200 people to staff the restaurants.

“The new concessions package brings together an all-star list of fantastic dining concepts that includes well-known Houston area and national brands,” Jim Szczesniak, chief operations officer for Houston Airports, said in a statement. “Houston Airports is relentless in our quest to make our passengers happy. 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.”

“We are excited to partner with the City of Houston and Houston Airports to bring a distinctive program that complements the city’s culinary virtues and ethnic diversity,” said Carlos Bernal, CEO of Areas. “Travelers to William P. Hobby Airport will be delighted by an exceptional lineup of concepts, which represent the essence of the city’s greatness.”

Photo by Julia Casbarian

Pappas is out after the City Council vote.

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CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Property Showcase

Meet the gifted chef showcasing authentic, home-grown Greek fare to Houston, plus hottest food news

What's Eric Eating Episode 285

On this week's episode of "What's Eric Eating," chef Mary Cuclis joins CultureMap food editor Eric Sandler to discuss Kriti Kitchen. The Pondicheri veteran opened the family-friendly Greek restaurant in January.

The conversation begins with Cuclis explaining how she entered the world of professional cooking. Prior to opening Kriti Kitchen, she trained at Bo Innovation, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Hong Kong, and spent 10 years working for James Beard Award finalist Anita Jaisinghani at Pondicheri, the acclaimed, Indian-inspired restaurant in Upper Kirby.

At Kriti Kitchen, she honors her Greek heritage by serving dishes she's experienced when visiting family in Greece. Sandler asks her about the ways in which her cooking is different from Houston's other Greek restaurants.

"A lot of the Greek food I found in Houston was very delicious but very much street food. The kind of food I'm wanting to portray is more homestyle, things that I eat with my relatives," she says.

"For example, when you go to a taverna in Crete, a lot of times it's a couple running the whole thing. They invite you back into the kitchen to smell the stew. It's stewed meat and a lot of fresh vegetables with beans and lentils. I don't think too many people see that side of Greek food. I wanted to share a little bit of what I see with my family and what we eat when we're there."

Listen to the full interview to hear Cuclis explain why Kriti Kitchen offers both dine-in options during the day as well as heat-and-serve options that customers can pick up for dinner. She also discusses her goals for the future.

Prior to the interview, Sandler and co-host Rebecca Masson, chef-owner of Fluff Bake Bar, discuss the news of the week. Their topics include: Nobie's owners Martin and Sara Stayer's plans to open a new pizzeria; Roswell's Saloon opening in Montrose; New York City's Lady M establishing a permanent presence in the Galleria; and Masson's experiences during Austin's Hot Luck food festival.

In the restaurants of the week segment, Sandler and Masson share their thoughts about meals at two new Italian restaurants. First, they recount the highs and lows of a meal at Triola's Kitchen. Then, they share first impressions of Bari Ristorante, a new restaurant in River Oaks District that serves classic Italian dishes.

Photo by Ajna Jai

Chef Mary Cuclis is this week's guest.

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Subscribe to "What's Eric Eating" on Apple podcasts, Google Play, or Spotify. Listen to it Saturdays at 2 pm on ESPN 97.5.

Famed luxury shoe brand Jimmy Choo steps into Houston with stylish boutique in first outlet locale

WELL-HEELED

Local favorite Houston Premium Outletshas exciting news for fashion-forward and price-conscious shoppers. The renowned luxury brand Jimmy Choo has recently opened its doors, bringing its signature high-end styles and accessories to Houston.

Shoppers will be delighted to find an extensive range of Jimmy Choo's coveted collection, including trendy shoes, chic bags, stylish eyewear, cute small leather goods, and other must-have accessories.

The luxury footwear brand hit the scene in the 1990s and quickly became a favorite of Princess Diana. Carrie Bradshaw and Sex in the City catapulted the shoe to a household name and the shoes became synonymous with femininity and luxury.

With more than 200 stores worldwide, Jimmy Choo is no stranger to the fashion scene. However, this outlet store marks its first in Houston, making its elevated shopping experience more accessible to a broader array of discerning buyers.

Savvy Houston shoppers will be thrilled to find top-notch designer pieces at prices that won't break the bank. Jimmy Choo joins other luxury brands at Houston Premium Outlets, such as Armani Outlet, Burberry, Tory Burch, Coach, and Cole Haan. It's the perfect excuse to make the journey to Houston Premium Outlets and stock up on summer wardrobe essentials.

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Photo courtesy of Jimmy Choo/Instagram

The Jimmy Choo boutique at Houston Premium Outlets includes shoes, bags, stylish eyewear, small leather goods, and other must-have accessories.

Jimmy Choo; Suite 955, near Armani Outlet; Houston Premium Outlets – (Suite 955, near Armani Outlet); 29300 Hempstead Rd. in Cypress.

Houston SPCA's handy guide to weathering hurricane season with your pets

Get Ready

Every year during hurricane season, spare gas tanks are filled, food and water supplies are replenished, and go bags are packed. However, one aspect of storm preparation that shouldn’t be overlooked is your pet’s preparedness. Make sure they’re included in your emergency plans just like your human family members.

Not sure what that entails? Follow this handy guide from Houston SPCA:

1. Never leave your pet behind when evacuating
It’s critical that your pet is prepared to come with you should you need to evacuate during a storm. Don’t wait until it’s time to leave to put your pet in a crate for the first time. Make sure they’re comfortable in a travel carrier every now and then by encouraging them to enter and exit the kennel with plenty of positive reinforcement.

If you know your pet becomes carsick or anxious when traveling and requires medication, be sure to have a current prescription. Administer the medication at least once in advance to know how your pet reacts to it.

2. Ensure a happy reunion
In the event that you and your pet are separated, confirm that they have a properly fitted collar and tag with your current contact information.

Also check that their microchip information is up to date, and that you have a recent photo of yourself with your pet to help prove ownership.

3. Be medically prepared
Obtain vaccination and medical records from your veterinarian. Write down any care or medical instructions as well, and seal this information in a plastic bag with the medications they take.

4. Secure your yard
Walk around your yard to ensure that your fence is secure and there are no weak spots that your pet could escape through if they get spooked. If they wear a tether or use a leash to go outside, test it to confirm it won’t break when pulled.

Photo courtesy of Houston SPCA

Never evacuate without your pet.

5. Build an emergency kit
Save this disaster checklist to make sure your pet has everything they need before leaving home in an emergency.

Pack the items in a sturdy backpack or duffel bag and have a secure travel carrier in good shape ready to place in the car. Ensure that it fits in advance if you have a large animal.

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Follow Houston SPCA on Twitter and set notification for real-time updates in the event of a local disaster.

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