Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Pappasito's Cantina
Celebrating
October Specials
To Our Guests
¡Gracias!
Whether this is your first time dining at Pappasito’s Cantina or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we are honored to have you here today. We’ve had the pleasure of serving our legendary Tex-Mex since 1983 and would not be here without you, our Guests.
The warm, inviting, family-focused atmosphere found in every Pappas restaurant all began when our legendary grandfather, H.D. Pappas, left Greece in 1897 to pursue his dreams. He brought with him a passion for quality and service that became the benchmark of his success. We carry on that passion for quality food and service, careful attention to detail and a determination to treat every person who walks through the door as a welcomed Guest.
The flavor, freshness, and presentation at Pappasito’s is beyond what you’ll find anywhere else. Only the highest quality produce, meat and fish make it to your table. Our salsa is roasted in our kitchens daily, margaritas are made from fresh-squeezed lime juice, tortillas are made in-house and beef fajitas are prepared only with outside skirt steak to give you the most tender and flavorful dish.
Freshness goes hand-in-hand with quality service. That’s why our team is the best in the business. They’re carefully selected, receive world-class training and are encouraged to grow within the company.
It’s never just a meal at Pappasito’s - dining with us is a fiesta. Thank you for letting us satisfy your Tex-Mex cravings! We look forward to continuing the fiesta with you and your family for years to come.
Memories with us
Tell us your favorite memory of a time you dined at Pappasito’s Cantina
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When Did Your Favorite Location Open?
Growth Over the Years
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1983November
The Original - Richmond at HillcroftAddress6445 Richmond
Houston, TX 770571985August
SpringAddress15280 I-45 North
Houston, TX 770901987October
Sugar LandAddress13750 Southwest Freeway
Sugar Land, TX 774781989June
WebsterAddress20099 I-45 South
Webster, TX 775981989September
RichardsonAddress723 S. Central Expressway
Richardson, TX 750801990June
Little Pappasito's - Richmond at KirbyAddress2536 Richmond
Houston, TX 770981991June
HumbleAddress10005 FM 1960
Humble, TX 773381991September
290 at HollisterAddress13070 Highway 290
Houston, TX 770401991December
NRG/610 SouthAddress2515 S. Loop West
Houston, TX 770541992July
AustinAddress6513 I-35 North
Austin, TX 787521992September
Memorial CityAddress10409 I-10 West
Houston, TX 770241993January
San AntonioAddress10501 I-10 West
San Antonio, TX 782301993October
WillowbrookAddress7050 FM 1960 West
Houston, TX 770691994August
Lombardy LaneAddress10433 Lombardy Lane
Dallas, TX 752201995September
I-10 East at FederalAddress11831 I-10 East
Houston, TX 770291997March
Fort WorthAddress2704 West Freeway
Ft. Worth, TX 761021997August
ArlingtonAddress321 W. Road to Six Flags
Arlington, TX 760111997November
MariettaAddress2788 Windy Hill Rd.
Marietta, GA 300672003June
IAH AirportAddress3950 S. Terminal Rd., Space 4
Houston, TX 770322010March
DFW Airport - Terminal AAddress2610 Internaltion Pkwy, Terminal A - Gate 28
Dallas, TX 752612014May
Downtown/AvenidaAddress1600 Lamar St.
Houston, TX 770102016September
The WoodlandsAddress18101 I-45 North
Shenandoah, TX 773852018January
DFW Airport - Terminal CAddress2330 Internaltional Pkwy, Terminal C - Gate 19
Dallas, TX 75261
Celebrating Our PeopleTeam Member Spotlights-
Alicia Z.Prep Cook | 40 Years with Pappasito’sAlicia was hired by Chris Pappas after showcasing her amazing skills making fresh tortillas with a dough roller. Jerry Cossey, a former manager, made a great impact through his leadership. She was able to learn a lot and grow within the company. Alicia has two sons, age 39 and 32.Through the employment of Pappas Restaurants, I have accomplished many personal goals. I started when I was young and thanks to God and the Pappas family, I have been able to buy my home, car and even help my family in El Salvador. I love working with the many Pappas managers and prepping delicious food for our many Guests. -
Rigoberto (Rigo) M.Prep Cook | 39 Years with Pappasito’sRigo started as a dish washer and after three years moved up to prep, prep cook and line cook. The last 25 years he’s enjoyed working as a prep cook. Jerry Cossey, Peter White and Clarence Franklin all made a great impact as Rigo grew within the company. They taught and motivated him to care about cleanliness and Pappas standards.When I think about what Pappas Restaurants means to me, only one thought comes to mind: family. I thank God and the Pappas family for allowing me to provide my family a home, food, and a car for transportation. The Pappas family has treated my family and I exceptionally. I have learned and loved working with a team that practices high standards for every guest that comes to dine with us. -
Miguel M.Butcher | 40 Years with Pappastio’sMiguel started as a dish washer and after three weeks moved to butcher. He has worked at several Pappasito’s locations in his 40 years, has trained hundreds of staff members, and continues to impact many throughout the company. When someone things of Miguel, they think of an amazing brother. He’s very dedicated and was often the first to come in and the last one to leave when he started. Miguel thanks Peter White for his leadership and mentorship.Pappasito’s to me means enjoying working with family at heart. Working here has shown me to appreciate high standards of fresh food, quality and excellence. Through the opportunity to work with Pappas Restaurants, I have been able to provide my family with necessities such as a home, food, transportation and so much more. I am thankful for all the Pappas family does for my family and me. When our guest come in, I hope their experience is as excellent as mine is every day. -
Gerardo “Jesse” C.Butcher/Grill Cook | 42 Years with PappasGerardo started on November 3, 1981 at Circus Circus and still remembers when Chris interviewed and hired him.I am grateful for all the years, the many years of support from my coworkers and managers. I am proud of being able to help make the high-quality food, with the great flavors for everyone we serve. And am most of all proud to work at Pappasito’s! -
Rene F.Butcher/Grill Cook | 35 Years wtih Pappasito’sRene started at The Original Pappasito’s in 1988 as a dishwasher. Over the next 2 years, he would learn to be a butcher and to work the grill. In 1997, Rene and his family moved to Atlanta to help open the Marietta location. 35 years later, Rene still takes pride in the product coming from his station and supporting and mentoring Pappas’ next generation.Every single day is different but Pappasito’s has amazing people, outstanding food, and core values we always fall back on. That’s why this is my second home! -
José A.Cook | 37 Years with Pappasito’sJosé started at The Original Pappasito’s as a busser in 1986. After 3 months he was asked to join the cookline and developed his culinary talent through learning every position from grill to hot sauce. After 11 years he embarked on a new journey with Pappasito’s to help open and support teams in Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Richardson before coming home to the Sugar Land location where he has been for 20 years.Pappasito’s is family and the team and culture around every restaurant I have worked in has always given me a great sense of pride delivering for our Guests on a daily basis -
Nelson C.Prep Cook | 40 Years with PappasNelson started at Circus, working with Chris Pappas, Jerry Cosey and Chris Nick. He started as a dishwasher, then went to pantry making rolls and blueberry muffins, moved to butcher cutting ribeyes and sirloins, and eventually moved to the fry line. From there, he went to The Strawberry Patch where he became a prep cook. Nelson started with Pappastio’s with the opening of the Spring location in 1988 and continued to help in openings in Humble, at 290 & Hollister and I-10 at Federal Road. Nelson has made the Willowbrook location home for the last 24 years!I have met so many people and have learned so much in the years I’ve worked with the company. I have worked with some of the best leaders and I am grateful for being given the opportunity to work for this company! I remember helping at the Willowbrook location for a while before making my official transfer. I had worked with Dean Lyons before and was able to work with him again. He’s always been professional and thoughtful. I’ve enjoyed working with him a lot! -
Andres V.Grill Cook | 40 Years with Pappastio’sIn 1983, Andres was working construction on a team finishing the building for The Original Pappasito's. He then applied to work at the restaurant and got hired as a dishwasher and a busser where he was personally trained by Chris Pappas. He worked his way up through the years and learned every position on the cookline. To this day Andres still serves as the backbone of Pappasito's Memorial City location and has trained many cooks, managers and general managers.Pappasito's has given me a lot of opportunities. I thank God because my work here has let me provide my family with a good life. -
Lindsay L.General Manager | 17 Years with Pappasito’sLindsay’s first job was at Pappasito’s. She started as a host in San Antonio while attending college and stayed on after, building her career. After nine years at the San Antonio location, Lindsay relocated to Houston and worked at several locations, including the airport and our sister restaurant Pappas Burger while her home store was closed during Covid. She became the GM at the Spring location later in 2020!I love Pappasito’s so much! What I love the most is the culture within the restaurant, we are family and all come together to provide the best hospitality and food for our Guests! Pappasito’s has given me so many wonderful opportunities for growth and the opportunity to help grow our staff and future leaders on the team. I love the constant innovation we are always working towards; we are always elevating everything we do whether it’s cuisine or hospitality- everything we do is to make the dining experience absolute perfection for the Guest! We have the most amazing staff and it is a blessing and pleasure to work with such a talented group of people. I am beyond grateful for everything I have learned from working at Pappasito’s and the wonderful lifelong friendships I have made over the years. -
Nyakoam “Top” T.Server/Trainer | 2.5 Years with Pappasito’sAfter moving to Houston to attend school, Top applied to and started working at Pappasito’s. She quickly became a leader in the restaurant and is now a trainer. She has many wonderful Guests who have turned into regulars. This is the most fun job she’s ever had, and she’s made so many friends that have become family. Top is known for giving “top” notch service.Throughout my time here at Pappasito’s I’ve experienced many achievements and praise. I have not only been motivated to keep elevating but also to keep improving myself and others around me. With team members I can call family, that’s the culture that keeps me here. -
Eduardo M.Server | 20 Years with Pappasito’sEduardo has worked at Pappasito’s Willowbrook for 20 years. He is known for having the most regulars. They wait every day to get sat in his section and he always goes above and beyond for them. He has a marvelous attitude and is always willing to help!Where to begin? It has been a fantastic journey during these 20 years, Pappasito’s has been essential in my life, they have taught me to be a better person in my beginnings, especially Dean Lyons, and at the peak of my life, Yesenia Copado. This job has given me the opportunity to grow and meet many people who are part of my life. -
Yesenia C.General Manager | 11 Years with Pappasito’sYesenia was hired as a server while she was going to college. Paul Vaughan and Dean Lyons made a huge impact on her while working. They pushed Yesenia to get better and challenged her to become a manager, then kitchen manager, number two, and finally GM candidate. She got keys to her own store five years ago!Pappasito’s is my second family! I learned to be organized, structured, relentless and I became disciplined while working in the restaurants. I am grateful to be part of the company and I enjoy leading the best staff and taking care of our amazing Guests! I love the opportunities Pappas gives. I love the people I work with and I love my staff! -
Antonio T.Server | 13 Years with Pappasito’sAntonio has worked with Pappasito’s for 13 years now. He started at the Memorial City location, then after purchasing his dream home relocated to Webster.I love working for this company because I have met a lot of friends/regulars that I can call family. This also allowed me to travel frequently. This is why I love working here and when you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. Thank you kindly for this acknowledgment and recognition of my work. With that being said, Happy Birthday Pappasito’s!!! -
Mike K.General Manager | 16 Years with Pappasito’sMike fell in love with the restaurant business while waiting tables in college where, coincidently, Jerry Cosey was a regular. After graduation he got a “real job” but was drawn back to the restaurant industry. Mike grew up visiting Pappas restaurants, and Pappasito’s specifically, but had not considered making a career out of the restaurant business until meeting a restaurant manager for Pappadeaux. He officially joined the Pappas family in 2007 and fell in love with the restaurant business all over again. Mike is married with four kids. Their favorite restaurant is Pappasito’s, specifically the one in Humble.Pappasito’s has challenged me in ways I didn’t ever think it could and helped me to grow as a restaurant manager, cook, server, businessman, but also as a human being. The skills I have learned with Pappasito’s are priceless. My only regret is not joining Pappasito’s sooner. I really enjoy food and serving people and that is why Pappasito’s is love to me. A love of the challenges that the day can bring. It is a love of the process that keeps things moving. It is a love for food and our cuisine and most importantly it is a love of people that is displayed through service whether it is our Guests or our staff. Pappasito’s is love!! I can’t thank Pappasito’s and the Pappas family enough for this experience! -
Courtney H.Bartender/Trainer | 4 Years with Pappasito’sCourtney came to Pappasito’s with the desire to serve food that was top quality and that she could be proud of. She was looking for the same with the culture and team. Courtney recognizes COVID as one of the most challenging times, but values that everyone worked together to get through the challenges and were able to serve hundreds of people daily through only curbside to-go.I get to work with the best people in the hospitality industry. They are always smiling and happy, and that’s because of the culture that was created in this restaurant and what makes me so happy to continue to be working for Pappasito’s. I personally love to cook and make cocktails at home. Working at a restaurant that is consistently keeping up with constant innovation with their recipes makes me so excited to make new drinks and serve different dishes. There is always something different to feature, giving the ultimate experience. Pappas means more than just superior service and quality food. To me, Pappas is family. -
Daren F.Server/Trainer | 30 Years with Pappasito’sDaren started with Pappas in December 1993, fresh out of college and new to Houston. He was blown away with the professionalism and friendliness of both management and staff. The structure, teamwork, camaraderie, and culture kept him around for the next 30 years.I have met best friends, countless colleagues, tons of very special regulars, and oh yeah, my partner in life (24 years and counting), my wife Jenn, while working at Pappasito’s in Spring. I remember my favorite manager saying, “if you always do what you always did you always get what you always got.” Pappas taught me to strive to be my best and always push to surpass my limitations. Happy 40th Pappasito’s! -
Randi A.General Manager | 11 Years with Pappasito’sRandi started as a server at the Humble location while attending the University of Houston Downtown. After experiencing the fun and family atmosphere of the organization she chose to pursue management. Eventually this path lead to her becoming a general manager of the NRG location in 2018. She strives to create a positive, fun-filled restaurant for her team and Guests.I love the people I work with. There are so many huge personalities, and everyone has a genuine care for each-other and for providing the highest level of hospitality possible. Every day is a new challenge, but I wouldn’t want to tackle it with anyone else.” -
Frank G.Server/Trainer | 17 Years with Pappasito’sFrank started with Pappasito’s in 2006 at the NRG location as a server. Frank has worked several positions in both the front of house, back of house and at Pappas Catering throughout his time with Pappas. He has such an infectiously positive attitude and provides the highest level of hospitality in all he does.I enjoy the structure of Pappas from the bottom to the top. This company has always offered opportunities for growth both personally and professionally. The people that work with Pappas are top notch with great personalities, leadership, and a desire to create a great Guest experience.” -
T’ondrea HayesBartender | 5 Years at Pappasito’sPappasito’s to me means culture; it means opportunity. From the multiple promotional opportunities to the countless ways to expand your knowledge from food to hospitality. Pappasito’s to me means family. Working and learning alongside the same faces and seeing them more than your family, helps cultivate a familiarity and natural relationship which I feel threads the fabric to being a family-oriented restaurant. As well as keeping the culture alive at home with your family by adopting restaurant lingo like “heard.” It all comes together so nicely to make work enjoyable.
Over The YearsHighlights from the Past 40 Years
