William P. Hobby Airport
International airport · Greater Hobby ·
Low-key, manageable airport with friendly staff & diverse dining
Information
7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061 Get directions
Low-key, manageable airport with friendly staff & diverse dining
7800 Airport Blvd, Houston, TX 77061 Get directions
"Houston’s oldest commercial airport offers a decidedly more low-key way to fly compared with George Bush Intercontinental Airport and is commonly used for Southwest Airlines flights to other Texas cities and beach destinations. It lacked the same array of big-name concessions as IAH, but after the Houston City Council cut ties with Pappas Restaurants in 2023 the airport closed several Pappas locations and began a broad concession overhaul, bringing in a mix of Houston- and regionally based concepts. New openings have included local pizza, ice cream, and bar-and-grill outposts as well as other regional spots; most recently locations were added in the West Concourse, the ticketing area, and near gate 44. A gate-by-gate guide was produced to help navigate the changing dining options, and additional restaurants and bars are expected through 2025." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Passenger traffic rose by about 5% and revenue jumped by roughly 38% amid a broader tourism boom, but many hospitality staff at the airport report low pay and longer job duties that have not improved with increased travel. Workers represented by a union say wages often remain below sustainable levels (many under ~$16.50/hour), forcing second jobs and financial strain despite the airport’s stronger revenue performance; the union is campaigning for a $23 minimum wage tied to rising living costs in the region." - Brittany Britto Garley
"The city's smaller, more storied airport is expanding dining and retail offerings with recent on‑site openings of regional concepts and a slate of 20 new concepts planned through 2025; additions include local shops and chains, coffee and dessert options, a music‑friendly restaurant venue, and multiple restaurant and brewery openings scheduled for later this year and into 2025." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Considering the enormity of George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) offers a decidedly more low-key way to fly. As the city’s oldest commercial airport, you’ve likely caught a Southwest Airlines flight out of Hobby en route to another Texas city, or perhaps a beach vacation destination. It doesn’t have the incredible array of big names that IAH has to offer, but Hobby Airport is working on it. Following the Houston City Council’s decision to cut ties with Pappas Restaurants, the airport closed its locations of Pappas Burger, Pappasito’s Cantina, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen, and has introduced eight new temporary restaurants, as it prepares for an overhaul. Outposts of Houston-based Pink’s Pizza, Fat Cat Creamery, and Hubcap Bar & Grill, plus locations of Galveston’s the Spot, Gastrohub Bistro & Bar, Pick Up Stix, and Latrelle’s Mexican Kitchen are now open, and more than a dozen restaurants are on their way." - Brittany Britto Garley
"Following Pappas’ departure, Hobby Airport is undertaking a major dining overhaul: the new contracts are slated to bring about 20 dining and retail establishments by late 2024, and the airport has already introduced eight temporary dining options while five chain restaurants (Chick‑Fil‑A, Buffalo Wild Wings, Peet’s Coffee & Tea, Wendy’s, and Starbucks) remain open. I noted the airport is adding Houston-area favorites such as Killen’s Barbecue, Fat Cat Creamery, Common Bond Cafe, Pink’s Pizza, and Spindletap Brewery; outposts of Pink’s Pizza and Hubcap Bar & Grill plus Gastrohub Bistro & Bar, Streat and Streat Bar, Pick Up Stix, and Latrelle’s Mexican Kitchen are now open, with nearly 20 more on the way. The move—prompted after City Council approved a 10‑year, $470 million concession deal with Areas USA and a separate 10‑year contract with LaTrelle’s Management—is projected to bring in over $10 million in revenue and to inject more local flavor into an airport dining scene that was previously sparse or dominated by national chains." - Brittany Britto Garley
