HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Michelin Guide is renowned for its restaurant reviews worldwide.
The guidebook began reviewing restaurants in Houston in 2024 as part of a three-year, $270,000 contract that ends in 2026, according to the Houston First Corporation.
Houston First told ABC13 in a statement that the agreement with Houston is one of five Texas cities, alongside Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, along with the state of Texas, that entered into the three-year agreement.
“The increased exposure the company has helped generate for the local restaurants it has recognized as well as the city is considerable. Houston First maintains a strong relationship with Michelin, and we are enthusiastic about the future,” a Houston First Corporation spokesperson told ABC13 in a statement.
Recognition from the Michelin Guide helps some restaurants attract more business.
“It has resulted in more business and reinforcing the customers that we’ve had for the last 8 years,” Papalo Taquería owner Nick Vera said. “A good 25 or 30% increase from last year.”
Vera told ABC13 his business earned the Bib Gourmand award from Michelin Guide.
Michelin awards are annual, with new stars given each year, and restaurants with current Michelin recognition are reassessed.
Houston First said discussions are underway on what a future relationship with Michelin might look like for Houston and Texas and that they remain optimistic about the future.
Houston First did not share details about their ongoing negotiations.
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