Ten new restaurants are coming to Hobby Airport after Houston City Council approved a 10-year contract on Wednesday with Latrelle's Galley, LP, a local management company in Houston.
Hobby Airport is the first in the nation to be rated five stars by global review firm Skytrax and the new concession contract will bring local favorites to Hobby.
Travelers can expect to see a mix of local and national restaurants, including Common Bond Bistro and Bakery, Velvet Taco, Pinks Pizza, Dish Society, the Rustic, Wendy's, Peet's Coffee, Dunkin' Donuts, and Jersey Mike's Sub as they’re traveling through Hobby Airport.
Mayor Pro-Tem Dave Martin said Latrelle’s is a family-owned, local company that got its start at Hobby. In 1985 the company began selling baked goods at Hobby and has since expanded with restaurants in both Hobby and Bush Airports.
"In 1985, my father's first airport location was a 350-square-foot bakery in Hobby Airport. With today's decision by this City Council, we will now operate over 17,000 square feet of Hobby Airport's food and beverage locations. What an opportunity," said Kenneth James with Latrelle's Management in a statement. "We are a local, family-owned and operated business. This is proof that given the access to compete on equal footing, small companies can execute large responsibilities. This is a privilege and an honor. We are humbled and grateful."
The new concession agreement is expected to bring in almost $74 million for the airport system and close to 300 jobs.
Chief Operating Officer Jim Szczesniask said in a statement: "As the first and only 5-star airport in North America, it's imperative that Hobby Airport continues to elevate the passengers’ experience through unique, diverse, and delightful culinary options," he said. "Because Latrelle's is rooted in Houston, I am confident that the variety of local, regional and national concepts will raise the bar on our world-class customer experience while ensuring all of our guests experience the "Houston friendly hospitality that comes with Hobby Airport being a five-star global service gateway."
The ordinance was originally tagged – which restricts the council from voting on the ordinance – by District I Council member Robert Gallegos who represents the Hobby District. He stated there were no prior meetings with the airport before the deal was made.
"I’ll release my tag," he said. "I understand the airport system and procurement will come and speak to the council member that represents the hobby airport – again, I’ve been here at this horseshoe for nine years and I expect to be respected as a council member that represents hobby airport."
Mayor Sylvester Turner said Latrelle’s is a good example of a business that has elevated its industry.
"So these are businesses that are in the business that have proven and shown a high degree of excellence, so in many ways it's a historic day, It’s a very important day," he said.
Latrelle's is expected to start ground breaking concessions in Hobby in April and will take between 18-24 months.