4 Houston Stories You Might Have Missed This Week

Houston had a busy week.

From a new cruise line setting sail from Galveston to a fresh look for the Houston Texans, there was plenty happening across the region. Meanwhile, two longtime Houston restaurant stories are giving locals something to celebrate—and something to be nostalgic about.

Here are four Houston stories you may have missed this week.

Margaritaville at Sea Is Coming to Galveston

Galveston's cruise scene is getting another major player.

Margaritaville at Sea is set to begin sailing from Galveston in 2027, adding another cruise option for Houston-area travelers who want to start their vacation without flying to another cruise port.

The new service is expected to feature itineraries to destinations in the Caribbean and Central America, with weekly Friday departures planned.

For Houston residents, the addition is another sign of how important Galveston has become as a cruise destination.

The island already attracts millions of visitors and serves as a convenient cruise port for people throughout the Houston metro area. Adding another cruise line gives local travelers more choices when planning a getaway—and could bring even more visitors and economic activity to Galveston.

If you've been thinking about taking a cruise but don't want to deal with airport travel, 2027 could bring another option close to home.

The Texans Just Got a New Look

Houston Texans fans have a new uniform to add to the collection.

The Texans unveiled a new uniform as part of the NFL x Nike Rivals program, giving the team another look to complement its existing uniforms.

But fans won't have to wait long to see it on the field.

The Texans are scheduled to debut the uniform on November 19, when Houston hosts the Indianapolis Colts.

For a franchise that's continued to evolve its identity in recent years, new uniforms are more than just a change of clothes. They're another opportunity to connect the team's past, present and future—and give fans something new to talk about.

Whether you love the design or aren't quite sold yet, there's one easy way to settle the debate: see how it looks under the lights at NRG Stadium.

The Original Pappasito's Is Closing After 43 Years

One of Houston's most recognizable restaurant stories this week was a bittersweet one.

The original Pappasito's Cantina at Richmond and Hillcroft is closing after 43 years.

The restaurant opened in 1983 and was the first Pappasito's location, helping launch the restaurant brand that would become one of Houston's best-known dining names.

For longtime Houstonians, the location represents much more than Tex-Mex.

It's the kind of restaurant where generations of families have celebrated birthdays, gathered for dinner, met friends and shared plates of sizzling fajitas.

The original location is expected to serve its final meals on September 13.

While the Richmond and Hillcroft restaurant is closing, Pappasito's isn't disappearing from Houston. Other locations remain open throughout the area.

Still, there's something significant about losing the location where the entire Pappasito's story began.

If you have a favorite memory from the original location, now might be the time for one last visit.

Huynh Restaurant Opens a Second Houston Location

While one Houston restaurant is preparing to close its original location, another longtime local favorite is expanding.

Huynh Restaurant has opened a second Houston location in Upper Kirby, giving longtime fans another place to enjoy the Vietnamese restaurant's familiar menu.

The original Huynh Restaurant has been a part of EaDo's dining scene since 2008. However, the restaurant's future at that location is tied to the ongoing I-45 expansion project, and the family expects the EaDo location to close by the end of 2026.

Opening in Upper Kirby gives the Huynh family a way to keep the restaurant going while continuing to serve many of the dishes that have made the original location a favorite among Houston diners.

For customers who have been visiting Huynh for years, that's welcome news.

Instead of saying goodbye to the restaurant altogether, they'll have another location to visit—and a chance to see a Houston family business continue into its next chapter.

Houston Is Always Changing

Taken together, these four stories say something about Houston.

The region continues to attract new businesses and experiences, while longtime local institutions are adapting to a rapidly changing city.

Galveston is expanding its cruise offerings. The Texans are introducing a new look. The original Pappasito's is closing after more than four decades. And Huynh Restaurant is finding a way to continue despite major changes affecting its original neighborhood.

Some of these stories are exciting. Others are bittersweet.

But that's Houston.

The city is constantly evolving, and keeping up with those changes can be a full-time job.

Which story are you most excited—or most sad—about?

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