Houston’s Restaurant Scene: October 2025 Closures Revealed

October brought significant changes to Houston’s diverse culinary landscape, as several beloved establishments across the city served their final meals. From long-standing institutions to popular local haunts, these closures reflect a challenging environment for the restaurant industry.

A Challenging Climate for Houston’s Culinary Scene

The past year has been particularly tough for many restaurants in Houston. Factors ranging from expiring leases and ongoing infrastructure projects, like the I-45 expansion, to the lingering effects of staffing shortages have led numerous businesses to close their doors. This trend follows a pattern seen in September, when 11 other Houston restaurants, including Ostia and Dak & Bop, ceased operations.

Notable Houston Restaurant Closures in October

Here’s a closer look at some of the Houston eateries that said goodbye in October:

Big Owl Craft Brew House

After four years, Big Owl Craft Brew House in the Heights, along with its in-house Turkey Forest Brewing, became the latest casualty in Houston’s craft beer scene. Its closure on October 24 adds to a growing list of local breweries that have shuttered in recent years, including Elder Son Brewing Co., North Shepherd Brewing, and Urban South Brewery.

Cobos BBQ

A favorite spot for Astros fans, Cobos BBQ in EaDo temporarily closed its doors in mid-October. Pitmaster Raul Jacobo announced the four-year-old establishment was for sale, citing the difficulty of making it through another off-season. However, there’s good news for fans: Cobos has since announced plans to return with a new menu, promising to bring back favorites from its food trailer days.

Ginger & Fork

The acclaimed Cantonese restaurant Ginger & Fork concluded its 10-year run in Houston on October 25. The closure stemmed from a decision not to renew its lease, with management noting the restaurant never fully recovered from pandemic-induced staffing shortages.

Jenni’s Noodle House (Heights)

After 15 years, Jenni’s Noodle House in the Heights decided not to renew its lease, closing on October 26. Thankfully for noodle lovers, the restaurant’s Shepherd location continues to serve its popular Vietnamese dishes.

Kim Son (East End Flagship)

The closure of the flagship Kim Son location on Jefferson Street in the East End marks the end of a 43-year era. This Vietnamese institution, a last remnant of a once-thriving Chinatown, fell victim to the ongoing I-45 expansion project. While its Asiatown location remains, the owners expressed a desire to reopen downtown in the future, aiming to maintain their presence in the neighborhood where they grew up.

Kitsune Sushi & Hibachi

Located in northwest Houston, Kitsune Sushi & Hibachi, known for its all-you-can-eat sushi and hibachi, closed at the end of October. The owners cited personal reasons for the decision in a social media farewell post, after operating for over a year.

This Is It Soul Food (Third Ward)

A Houston icon for over 66 years, This Is It Soul Food closed its Third Ward location on October 12. The restaurant, which moved to the Third Ward in 2010 after originating in the Fourth Ward, has hosted notable visitors like Beyoncé and Jill Biden. Family members of the owners have opened Mikki’s Soul Food Cafe in its place, and This Is It Soul Food continues to operate its Humble location, focusing on growth and rebranding there.

Uncle Tony’s (Spring)

This burger joint in Spring concluded its nine-year run at the end of October. However, fans can still get their fix as Uncle Tony’s has opened a new location in Porter and continues to operate a food truck in Magnolia. A peri peri restaurant is reportedly planned for the former Spring location.

Overview of October 2025 Restaurant Closures

What These Closures Mean for Houston

These closures highlight the persistent challenges faced by the restaurant industry, even in a vibrant city like Houston. From urban development projects like I-45 displacing long-standing businesses to the constant pressures of lease renewals and market competition, operating a restaurant demands immense resilience. However, the stories of Cobos BBQ’s planned return and Jenni’s Noodle House’s continued operation at another location also show the adaptability and enduring spirit of Houston’s restaurateurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why were so many Houston restaurants closing in October?
  A combination of factors contributed, including expiring leases, the disruptive I-45 expansion project, and ongoing challenges like staffing shortages that have impacted the industry since the pandemic.
• Is the historic Kim Son restaurant completely gone from Houston?
  No, while the flagship East End location closed due to the I-45 expansion, Kim Son still has a location open in Asiatown, and the owners are exploring options to reopen in the downtown area in the future.
• Will Cobos BBQ be coming back to Houston?
  Yes, after a temporary closure in mid-October, Cobos BBQ has announced plans to return with a new menu, incorporating popular items from its food trailer days.
• What happened to Jenni’s Noodle House in the Heights?
  The Jenni’s Noodle House location in the Heights closed after 15 years because its lease was not renewed. However, their Shepherd location remains open and continues to serve customers.
• Are there still locations for This Is It Soul Food and Uncle Tony’s?
  Yes, This Is It Soul Food continues to operate its Humble location, and Uncle Tony’s has a new location in Porter, along with a food truck in Magnolia.

As Houston’s culinary scene continues to evolve, supporting local eateries remains crucial. Be sure to explore new spots and revisit your longtime favorites to help them thrive in this dynamic city.

Houston Restaurant Closures October