Pappasito's Cantina - Our Story (2024)

The warm, inviting atmosphere and family-focused attitude found in every Pappas restaurant startedwell before the Pappas brothers opened their first restaurant in 1976. It all began with theirlegendary grandfather, H.D. Pappas. He left Greece in 1897 and traveled to America to pursue hisdreams. He brought with him a passion for quality and service that became the benchmark of hissuccess as he opened restaurants throughout Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas. It was this samededication to quality and service that H.D. passed down to his sons and grandsons. His sons,Pete and Jim, chose a different path than their father and entered the restaurant equipment andsupply business. They opened Pappas Refrigeration in 1945. It wasn’t until 1976, when Jim's sons,Chris and Harris, following in their grandfather's footsteps opened their first restaurant, bringingthe family’s American dream full circle.

One of the things that make Pappas Restaurants different from other restaurant companies is thatPappas not only run our restaurants to feed our loyal Guests day in and day out, we also own anddrive the trucks that deliver the freshest meats and seafood to our restaurants every day. Weemploy the electricians who keep the lights on and the kitchens humming. We even make our ownchairs for the dining room floor!

We make, own and operate almost everything we need to ensure we continue to serve only the highestquality products in a comfortable environment that keeps Guests satisfied and coming back time andtime again. This type of business organization is called "vertical integration," and it helps usensure there's never a holdup in the process and that we provide the absolute best for our Guests.

Harris and Chris still lead the chain of Pappas restaurants with more than 80 locations in sevenstates, throughout Texas, and with locations in New Mexico, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona andColorado. Based in Houston, the still privately-owned and operated business is a highly respectedleader in the industry nationwide.

Pappas Restaurants are known for outstanding food, exceptional service and an atmosphere where peoplego to be treated like Guests; to be entertained and to enjoy great food with the Pappas trademark ofquality. With warm, inviting atmospheres, big, open layouts and exciting themes to each concept, Pappasoffer a range of cuisines, all served in generous portions by our highly trained, attentive wait staff.The success has been built on the same principles that grandfather H.D. Pappas brought with him to theNew World: a passion for quality food and service, careful attention to detail, and a determination totreat every person that walks through the door as a welcome Guest.

Pappas offers something for everyone. Guests can enjoy Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for fresh seafoodand Louisiana-style favorites; Pappasito’s Cantina for legendary Tex-Mex; Pappas Bar-B-Q for the bestslow-smoked, pit barbeque around; Pappas Bros. Steakhouse for prime, dry-aged steaks in an exquisite,fine dining environment; Pappas Burger for a mouthwatering, Texas-sized, prime beef burgers; Yia YiaMary’s Greek Kitchen for unique, flavorful cuisine from the Mediterranean; Pappas Seafood House forthe freshest Gulf Coast seafood around; and Dot Coffee Shop for comfort food 24 hours a day.

We're a family owned and operated restaurant company, which means our core values have been passeddown from generation to generation. We're constantly focused on innovation, attention to detail andquality in everything we do. Over the years, our steadfast values and top-notch team have keptprospective employees seeking us out and satisfied Guests coming back.

To us you’re family, and we’re out to prove it every time you visit.

When you step through our front door and the sights, scents, and sounds of Pappasito's —the original Tex-Mex cantina — hits your senses, you know you're in for an experiencelike no other.

The flavor, freshness and presentation of the food at Pappasito's are beyond anythingyou'll find anywhere. Only the highest quality produce, meat, and fish make it to yourtable. Our tableside guacamole is made with the finest avocadoes, onions, peppers,and tomatoes that only make it in if they pass the "co*ke can red" test. Our legendaryfajitas marinate in our special recipe before reaching smoky, sizzling perfectionon our mesquite fired grills manned by our extensively trained grill masters.

Of course Tex-Mex isn't Tex-Mex without drinks as cool as our grill is hot. Are you apurest? Have our expert bartender pour you a shot from our extensive tequila selection —from everyday blancos to hard-to-find top shelf añejos. Or have them blend that shot intoone of our signature handcrafted margaritas. Explore the true meaning of tingling tastebuds with our signature sangria. And of course our selection of cervesas, wines, andstandard co*cktails never disappoint.

If that's not enough to send your mouth into a watering frenzy, turn your taste buds to ourseafood selection. At Pappasito's the only thing we might be more famous for than ourfajitas and drinks is the out-of-this-world selection of fish, shrimp, calamari, andceviche all prepared in true Tex-Mex style, sizzling from the grill or chilled toperfection, surrounded by colorful and delicious veggies and sides. Top it all off withmade-daily deserts that might just make your head spin and you may have just found Tex-Mexheaven.

It all happens in the most beautiful, vibrant, traditional, and fun dining rooms north ofthe border, filed with happy Guests and a staff that can't stop smiling, they love theirjobs so much. Bring your friends, family, and an empty stomach to Pappasito's and let usshow why no one in the business can come close to delivering the experience we can!