Starbucks opens in IAH Terminal E International Arrivals Hall

Passengers moving through Terminal A at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) now have a fresh new option to fuel their journey.Jamba has opened a new location near Gate A25, just after the TSA checkpoint, sharing a space with Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. The dual concept sits along a well-traveled path toward the Terminal A Connector Hall and the Skyway, making it an easy stop for travelers heading deeper into the terminal.Known for smoothies, bowls and blended beverages, Jamba adds a healthy, flexible choice for passengers of all ages. The menu features fruit-forward smoothies, protein-packed blends, acai and oatmeal bowls and lighter options designed for travelers looking to stay energized on the go. At the same time, the neighboring Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory offers classic treats for those craving something sweet.Together, the two brands bring balance and variety to Terminal A, giving passengers the freedom to choose what fits their trip, their schedule and their taste.Jamba is open daily from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The final piece of the dining puzzle is now in place at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).Velvet Taco officially opened Monday, Jan. 5, in the new Terminal D-West Concourse, delivering one of Houston’s most recognizable culinary brands to the airport’s newest international gateway. Located near Gate D-1, the fast-casual concept adds to the food and beverage line-up in the concourse, which opened in October 2024 as part of the airport system’s $1.458 billion international terminal project. For travelers arriving from or departing to destinations around the world, the opening is both practical and personal: craveable food, fast service and a sense of place that feels unmistakably Houston.“The Terminal D-West Concourse was designed to be world-class, organized and deeply reflective of the city it serves,” said Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial officer for Houston Airports. “Velvet Taco checks every box. It’s local, it’s bold and it delivers quality at the speed today’s travelers expect.”The Velvet Taco at IAH is operated by LaTrelle’s Management Corporation as a subcontractor under SSP America, which oversees food and beverage concessions in IAH Terminal D. LaTrelle’s also operates the Velvet Taco quick-serve and bar concept at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), where the restaurant earned national attention last year as Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept at the Airport Experience Awards.At Bush Airport, the menu stays true to the brand’s rule-breaking roots, offering globally inspired tacos, vegetarian and gluten-free options, shareable sides and signature margaritas designed for travelers on the go. The menu also includes halal-friendly selections, a meaningful consideration in an international terminal that serves passengers from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds. Halal food is prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary guidelines, and its availability helps ensure more travelers can dine confidently and comfortably before long-haul international flights. The Houston Airports Director of Aviation, Jim Szczesniak, stopped by Monday morning to become the very first customer at the new location.“When we talk about connecting people and cultures through Houston, this is what that looks like in real life,” Cuellar said. “Travelers want experiences that feel authentic, efficient and memorable. Velvet Taco delivers all three.”Terminal D-West itself represents years of behind-the-scenes planning most passengers never see. The concourse expands international gate capacity, improves passenger flow and introduces a carefully curated mix of dining, retail and services designed to reduce stress and elevate the journey. Alongside Velvet Taco, travelers will find a range of new concession offerings that blend global brands with Houston originals, all positioned to serve passengers quickly without sacrificing quality.Just steps away from Velvet Taco, a Harmony in the Air performance stage adds another layer to the experience. Passengers can enjoy tacos while taking in live music from local performers, a small but intentional detail that reflects Houston’s creative spirit and signature hospitality.For Houston Airports, the opening reinforces a broader strategy: make passengers happy, invest in strong partnerships and build platforms for future success. It is also a reminder that airport dining is no longer an afterthought, but part of how a city introduces itself to the world.Passenger tip: Take the Skyway to Terminal C. Exit the platform. Take a left into the Terminal D-West Concourse and enjoy all the new dining and retail options. Be sure to arrive early with enough time to explore.

Near Gate D2, just steps from the newly opened D-West Concourse at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), the smell of chipotle barbecue and sweet brioche signals a new era in airport dining. Urban Crave, a nationally recognized concept from SSP America, has officially reopened at Bush Airport.Known for delivering “authentic street cuisine,” Urban Crave translates global street food into a full-service bar and grill experience. The design echoes an urban streetscape: exposed brick, industrial lighting, polished wood and open sightlines. But the appeal is more than visual. Travelers can sit down, watch sports, enjoy a cocktail, and eat a chef-crafted meal without leaving the terminal.SSP America launched the airport-exclusive concept at IAH in April 2011. At the time, it was the first of its kind: a terminal-based restaurant where guests circled a central bar and could watch their food prepared in real time. By 2013, it had earned cult status. Travelers praised its gluten-free options, fresh flavors and generous portions. CNN ranked it among the top 10 airport restaurants in the U.S., calling out the Sonoran “haute dog” and the inside-out burger with cheddar and bacon packed into the patty.Urban Crave later moved out of Terminal C to make way for redevelopment. Today, it’s been reimagined for a new space and a new audience: international travelers departing from one of the airport’s most ambitious expansions to date. The D-West Concourse opened to passengers in October 2024. It features six gates designed for widebody aircraft, immersive art installations, multilingual signage and an array of new concessions—each part of a strategy to elevate the passenger journey.The refreshed Urban Crave menu keeps pace with international tastes: Korean wings tossed in gochujang, overnight oats with chia pudding, avocado toast, flatbreads and craft cocktails like the Poblano Margarita and Texas Old Fashioned.“For years, Urban Crave has been a passenger favorite at Bush Airport,” said Libby Hurley, director of concessions for Houston Airports. “Now, by bringing this elevated concept into Terminal D, we’re delivering on our promise to enhance the international experience one seat, one meal and one connection at a time.”This one restaurant is part of a broader transformation at Bush Airport, where passenger-focused infrastructure is meeting global ambition. Houston Airports is reimagining the concessions program not as a retail lineup, but as an extension of service and its signature Houston-friendly hospitality.That vision is gaining traction. In 2025, Bush Airport was ranked 6th in the world for Best Airport Dining Experience by the Skytrax World Airport Awards. The expansion of Terminal D and the strategic reintroduction of favorites like Urban Crave reflect why.“This is what global connectivity looks like,” said Hurley, “an airport that feeds, serves and welcomes the world.”