Latest news with #PappasRestaurants
Eater
18-06-2025
- Business
- Eater
The Most Anticipated Houston Restaurant Openings, Summer 2025
Summer has arrived — the kids are out of school, the heat is on, and vacation is calling, hopefully with a drink in hand. Fortunately, Houston's dining scene never rests. This summer, a new slate of long-awaited openings joins some of the hottest restaurants in town. From a pop-up-turned-burger joint in East End to the latest restaurant from the team behind omakase restaurant Neo and hand roll bar Kira, here are the most exciting restaurants opening this summer. Location: 2510 Navigation Boulevard, East End Key player: Chef Joseph Boudreaux Projected opening date: July 2025 After around four years of popping up all over the city, chef Joseph Boudreaux has finally found a permanent spot for his brainchild, Boo's Burgers. Boudreaux will join some of his favorite dining hotspots on Navigation Boulevard's the Esplanade with a burger stand that slings his signature smash burgers. Newcomers can expect crispy-edged smash burgers topped with molten American cheese, smoky remoulade, shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and homemade pickles. Boudreaux says the new burger joint will also offer fries and drinks, and, in the future, will be a space for engaging community events. Location: 746 W 24th Street, West University Key players: Comma Hospitality; Samee Ahmed, Saber Ahmed Comma Hospitality, the group behind Neo and Kira, will open its third restaurant this summer, offering a new presentation of Japanese cuisine. Set in a gable-roofed building with expansive windows, the 24-seat hinoki counter restaurant will dish out a combination of sushi, curated tastings, and seasonal dishes. The early menu preview includes Madai nigiri with freeze-dried creme fraiche and chives, a clever nod to the iconic lox bagel; swordfish crudo with kimchi tamari; Alaskan black cod slow-cooked over charcoal with seaweed butter; and banana caviar ice cream. If it's anything like Neo or Kira, the menu's dish descriptions won't fully do the food justice — you'll have to try it yourself to understand its nuances. Drinks include Japanese ingredient–inflected cocktails, sake, and wines meant for pairing. Location: 2410 Richmond Avenue, Upper Kirby Key players: Pappas Restaurants Projected date: August 2025 Pappas Restaurants has tackled Tex-Mex, barbecue, burgers, steak, wine, seafood, diner eats, and Creole cuisine. Now, it's paying homage to its Greek roots. The beloved local restaurant group will open Yiayia's Greek Kitchen in August, whose Greek theme and menu pay tribute to the family's matriarch, Yiayia Mary, and the yiayiades (grandmothers) of Greece, with a robust slate of meze-style shared plates. Greek and Mediterranean dishes will round out the menu with prime rib-eye souvlaki with blistered tomato; dolmades made with beef, lamb, basmati, grape leaves, and pistachio; kalamata olive bread; and traditional moussaka. Location: 2615 Riverside Drive, Riverside Terrace area Key player: Chef Dominick Lee Projected opening date: Summer 2025 Not to be confused with Hotel Saint Augustine, this new Creole restaurant is slated to open this summer in the Black-owned boutique Hotel King David, located in the Riverside Terrace area not far from Third Ward. Fittingly, New Orleans native and chef Dominick Lee, formerly of Poitín, will lead the kitchen, serving 'progressive Creole' cuisine rooted in tradition but with a modern touch. Though the menu is still under wraps, Lee has been teasing dishes at private dinners and high-profile pop-ups, including an impressive fall collaboration with the team at chef Aaron Bludorn's Navy Blue. Lee has held membership-only supper club events and dinners at the hotel with other chefs, including Boudreaux of Boo's Burgers, Top Chef: Houston finalist Evelyn Garcia and recent Top Chef winner Tristen Epps. Eater has tried Lee's pork muffuletta with crispy cracklins; pillowy beignets; crab bisque with hand-rolled fregola; and a take on Lee's grandmother's okra stew crowned with fried okra. If these dishes are any indication of what will be on Augustine's menu, it should be one of summer's most exciting debuts. Location: 6450 Cross Creek Bend Lane, Fulshear Key players: Eat Local Concepts Projected opening date: Summer 2025 The hospitality group behind local restaurant chains Local Table and Hungry's is expanding its reach with a new family-friendly restaurant. Housed in the former space of Italian Made Cafe, the Local Spot will open in Fulshear's Cross Creek Ranch area and offer casual American fare, cocktails, and a menu that features entirely new dishes and some of the favorites — think fettuccine with cream sauce, pizza, salads, and kebabs — from its sister restaurants. See More:
Miami Herald
10-05-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
Popular Tex-Mex Chain's Fate Revealed After Bankruptcy Filing
On the Border's fate following the popular eatery's bankruptcy declaration has finally been revealed. Pending court approval, Pappas Restaurants-which operates Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito's Cantina, Pappas Bar-B-Q and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse-has been selected to acquire the flailing chain of Tex-Mex restaurants, the restaurant group has announced. "We're excited to welcome On The Border to the Pappas family," Mike Rizzo, CEO of Pappas Restaurants, said in a statement. "On The Border is a brand with deep heritage and loyal guests, and we see tremendous opportunity to invest in its future. Our shared Texas roots and passion for hospitality make this a natural fit." It sounds like Pappas plans to maintain On the Border's original iconic and recognizable branding, with plans to "strengthen and modernize" On The Border locations" existing locations, with the announcement promising that "Pappas Restaurants will explore ways to enhance On The Border's menu, operations, and guest experience while honoring the brand's history and fan-favorite offerings." "On The Border has always stood out for its energy and bold flavors-it's a brand we've known and respected for years," Chris Pappas, co-owner of Pappas Restaurants, added. "This gives us the chance to bring our passion for Tex-Mex to more guests, and we're excited to build on what makes both brands special." The Atlanta-based Mexican grill & cantina filed for bankruptcy protections back in March, citing "inflation" and "changing customer behavior" as causes of the impending bankruptcy filing. Before that original protection request, the chain had already closed 40 locations, with 60 remaining across 18 states, plus 20 additional franchisee locations in the United States and South Korea. That's down from 150 locations at its peak. Next: American McDonald's Fans Can't Decide if They're 'Jealous' or 'Disgusted' Over International McFlurry Release Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Pappas Restaurants to buy bankrupt On The Border Mexican Grill: 'A natural fit'
Pappas Restaurants to buy bankrupt On The Border Mexican Grill: 'A natural fit' Show Caption Hide Caption Despite filing for bankruptcy, Hooters vows to stay open Hooters, the restaurant chain known for its wings and all-female waitstaff in signature orange uniforms, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Despite the filing, the brand insists it's not going anywhere. unbranded - Newsworthy The party might not be over for On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. On May 7, Texas-based Pappas Restaurants announced that it had won the auction, subject to court approval, to buy the bankrupt restaurant in the coming weeks. "We're excited to welcome On The Border to the Pappas family," Mike Rizzo, CEO of Pappas Restaurants, said in a news release. "On The Border is a brand with deep heritage and loyal guests, and we see tremendous opportunity to invest in its future. Our shared Texas roots and passion for hospitality make this a natural fit." Back in March, On The Border (OTB) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing difficult economic conditions, labor shortages, underperforming restaurants and creditor enforcement actions. OTB Holdings Chief Restructuring Officer, Jonathan Tibus, said the company had been affected by "macroeconomic factors." "On The Border has been weighed down in recent years by macroeconomic factors that have negatively impacted the Company. Casual dining restaurants are acutely impacted by consumer sensitivities to eating out versus staying in," Tibus said in court records obtained by USA TODAY. Tibus added that the company, along with debtors, decided in late February to close 40 "non-performing" stores. Pappas expands holdings With On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina being bought out by Pappas Restaurants, it will join Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, Pappasito's Cantina, Pappas Bar-B-Q and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse as part of the restaurant's holdings. "On The Border has always stood out for its energy and bold flavors—it's a brand we've known and respected for years," Chris Pappas, co-owner of Pappas Restaurants, said. "This gives us the chance to bring our passion for Tex-Mex to more guests, and we're excited to build on what makes both brands special." Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pappas Restaurants to buy On The Border out of bankruptcy
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Pappas Restaurants will purchase On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina out of bankruptcy, after successfully bidding for the company at auction, the operator said in a Wednesday press release. On The Border filed for Chapter 11 in early March. The transaction, subject to court approval, is expected to close in the next few weeks. OTB Lender, an affiliate of Pappas Restaurants, previously provided $10 million in debtor-in-possession financing to fund the brand throughout the Chapter 11 process, positioning itself as a stalking horse bidder. The acquisition will help the Houston-based company, which has over 80 units across nine concepts, expand its presence nationally and boost its store count with the addition of 60 company-owned On The Border restaurants. Pappas Restaurants will look to boost On The Border's menu, operations and guest experience, while 'honoring the brand's history and fan-favorite offerings,' the press release said. Pappas will use its experience with high-performing restaurant brands to apply its 'proven operational model and commitment to quality and hospitality to help strengthen and modernize On The Border locations.' Pappas diversified its portfolio over the past few decades, expanding into new concepts and entering airports. On The Border has a value-driven approach that complements Pappasitas Cantina's menu offering of fajitas, hand-shaken margaritas and atmosphere, according to the press release. 'On The Border is a brand with deep heritage and loyal guests, and we see tremendous opportunity to invest in its future,' Mike Risso, CEO of Pappas Restaurants, said in a statement. 'Our shared Texas roots and passion for hospitality make this a natural fit." On The Border filed for bankruptcy protections, citing the difficult macroeconomic environment, labor shortages and creditor enforcement actions, among other issues. In February, the chain closed 40 underperforming restaurants that had financial costs that were burdensome for the company At its height, On The Border had 150 units in the U.S. and internationally. It now operates in 18 states and has 20 franchised locations in the U.S. and South Korea, in addition to its company-owned units. Recommended Reading On the Border is the latest casual chain to file for Chapter 11
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Popular Texas restaurant chain will buy Dallas-based On the Border
In a surprise move by Houston-based Pappas Restaurants, the owner of Pappasito's Cantina is buying Dallas-based On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, a 1980s fajitas-and-margaritas chain that had fallen on hard times. The Pappas family has been in the food business and dining business since the 19th century. It started Pappasito's in 1983 just before adding the popular Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. In the announcement, Pappas Restaurants described On the Border as 'value-driven' and serving at an 'accessible' price point. The restaurants can be strengthened with Pappas' business model and an enhanced menu, the company announcement said. On the Border, which had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March, operates nine restaurants in the Fort Worth area. Pappasito's has two, one in Fort Worth and one in Arlington. At the time, On the Border closed its landmark No. 1 and No. 2 locations on Knox Street in Dallas and at 2011 E. Copeland Road, Arlington. The company has been owned by an Atlanta-based franchisee for Applebee's and IHoP since 2014 after operating for most of its history as a Brinker International affiliate of Chili's. It is unclear how the Pappas Restaurants will position On the Border, although technically Pappasitos is a sharply more expensive restaurant. For example, Pappasito's charges $29.95 at dinner and $17.95 at lunch for its least expensive fajitas platter, and $17.95/$16.95 for enchiladas. On the Border charges $19.95 at dinner and $14.79 at lunch for chicken fajitas, and $12.49/$10.99 for enchiladas. 'On The Border has always stood out for its energy and bold flavors — it's a brand we've known and respected for years,' Pappas co-owner Chris Pappas was quoted as saying in the announcement. 'This gives us the chance to bring our passion for Tex-Mex to more guests.' Pappasito's Cantina locations in Tarrant County are at 321 W. Road to Six Flags St., Arlington, and 2704 West Freeway, Fort Worth. On The Border has three Fort Worth restaurants plus Lake Worth, Bedford, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Mansfield and Weatherford. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
