Amid a wave of Houston restaurant closures this summer, including Arnaldo Richards’ Picos, the Michelin-recognized Late August, and Killen’s in the Heights, the city is about to lose another staple.
The original Pappasito’s – affectionately known as “Sito’s #1” – will shutter its location at 6445 Richmond Ave., at Hillcroft, this September after 43 years of business.
“We have made the very difficult decision to close Pappasito’s Cantina at Richmond and Hillcroft,” said Pappas Restaurants Chief Marketing Officer Christina Pappas in a statement.
“Known to generations of Pappas team membrs as ‘Sito’s #1,’ this restaurant has been a place where countless guests have gathered, celebrated, and made lasting memories.”
Since brothers Chris, Harris, and Greg Pappas opened its doors in 1983, the legendary “Sito’s #1” has been a Houston institution in which Pappasito’s has grown from a single beloved spot into a Tex-Mex empire with over 20 locations across Texas and Georgia.
Pappasito’s Cantina will officially close its doors at 6445 Richmond Ave. on September 13. The restaurant is presently participating in Houston Restaurant Weeks, offering a special three-course menu for $40 up until September 6.
“We hope our guests will visit during these final weeks and help us give Sito’s #1 the sendoff it deserves. If you have a favorite memory of Sito’s #1, we would love for you to share it with us through the Pappasitos website,” reads the statement.
As to the question of why the group has decided to close Sito’s #1, the group simply stated that it will do so in consideration of the site’s long-term outlook. The Pappas Restaurant Group owns the Richmond-and-Hillcroft property and is reportedly evaluation future plans for the site.
According to CultureMap, Pappas have offered the Sito’s #1 employees positions at other Pappas restaurants.
While Sito’s #1 will close on September 13, the group will continue to operate the 12 other Pappasito’s locations throughout the Houston area, including the Little Pappasito’s near Kirby.