One of Houston’s more legendary restaurants is taking its final bow shortly. The original Pappasito’s Cantina, located just west of the Galleria area near Uptown Houston, will permanently close Sept. 13.
“We have made the very difficult decision to close Pappasito’s Cantina at Richmond and Hillcroft,” read a statement Monday from Pappas Restaurants Chief Marketing Officer Christina Pappas. “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.”
Pappas’ statement also noted “the generations of team members who have worked here” and “the guests who have made Pappasito’s part of their celebrations, traditions and everyday lives.”
Also according to Pappas’ statement, the decision to close the location was “based on the long-term outlook for this location” and all employees from the original Pappasito’s were offered positions at other Pappas restaurants. Eric Sandler of CultureMap Houston first reported the news Monday.
Brothers Chris, Greg and Harris Pappas opened the first Pappasito’s at 6445 Richmond St., at the intersection with Hillcroft Avenue, back in 1983. Pappasito’s entered the fray two years after the brothers launched Pappas Seafood House just 1.5 miles away. The brand would expand over time, and these days, you can find 22 other Pappasito’s locations nationwide, including a few in sports venues and airports, and one in Marietta, Georgia.
Pappasito’s has built its long-lasting reputation on Tex-Mex favorites like enchiladas, tacos, fajitas, nachos and combination plates. The restaurant also likes to throw in some Continental and barbecue favorites like crab cakes, Atlantic salmon and barbecue pork ribs, making it a catch-all Tex-Mex hangout for everyday Houstonians.