Houston’s Restaurant Scene Faces Challenges
Houston, we have a problem—more restaurants have announced closures. It’s been a tough year for the industry. From ongoing economic pressures weighing on owners to those who are still working to recover from last year’s weather-related setbacks, our local restaurateurs can’t catch a break.
Recent Closures
This list isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights some of the notable restaurants that have closed their doors in recent times. If you know of a spot that’s not on this list, feel free to share the information.
This Is It Soul Food
Located in Third Ward, This Is It Soul Food closed its doors for good on Sunday, October 12, after over 66 years of serving up finger-licking-good food to Houstonians. The restaurant was a favorite among locals, including Destiny’s Child members. Although the Third Ward location is closed, fans of the restaurant can still get their fix at the Humble location.
Kim Son Restaurant
The Downtown location of Kim Son Restaurant is set to be demolished to make way for the I-45 expansion project. The iconic building that housed the restaurant has been a part of Houston’s landscape since 1982. While the restaurant will no longer serve Houstonians daily, the location’s catering and wedding services will continue until the end of 2025. Fans of the restaurant can still enjoy Kim Son’s outpost in Asiatown.
Paulie’s
After 27 years, Italian American restaurant Paulie’s and its accompanying wine bar Camerata will close on December 31. The owner, Paul Petronella, decided to close the businesses after failing to reach a “fair agreement” with the restaurant’s landlord. Paulie’s gained the hearts of Houstonians with its affordable menu of salads, sandwiches, paninis, pizzas, and homemade pasta options.
PattyCakes Bakery
The restaurant closures are hitting Galveston Island hard, too. PattyCakes Bakery announced its October closure in a social media post. While the specifics of why the bakery closed its doors were not disclosed, the news comes just months after its owners also shut down their other restaurant, Mosquito Café, which was across the street.
Conclusion
The closure of these beloved restaurants is a significant loss for the Houston community. Each of these establishments has been a part of the city’s fabric, providing a space for families, celebrations, and countless shared meals. Although the doors may be closing, the memories and flavors will live on in the hearts of Houstonians. It’s essential to continue supporting local businesses in the Houston community, as they are the heartbeat of our town. By doing so, we can help ensure that the city’s vibrant restaurant scene continues to thrive.
