Hobby Airport serves up star power with Killen’s Barbecue and SpindleTap Brewery now open

Jul 28, 2025

New openings highlight Houston’s economic strength and Mayor Whitmire’s call to support local.

HOUSTON – Houston Airports added two of Houston’s most recognizable names to its dining portfolio Monday, unveiling Killen’s Barbecue and SpindleTap Brewery at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to long lines of travelers. The openings mark a milestone in the airport’s $40.6 billion economic engine, reflecting Houston Airports’ strategy to showcase local businesses that define the city’s culture and hospitality while elevating the passenger experience from the moment travelers step inside.

Killen’s Barbecue, led by acclaimed chef Ronnie Killen, brings its Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand-recognized menu to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) for the first time. The Pearland institution, known for its brisket and ribs, was honored in the Michelin Guide’s inaugural Texas edition last November.

“Just very happy,” Killen said. “I never thought that my dad’s name or my name would be in an airport. It’s very exciting to see and to make sure the quality is just like it is at the restaurant. That’s what I wanted to do.”

Killen said Hobby was a natural fit. “Honestly, because it’s really close to where I’m from,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a restaurant inside an airport where the main business is eight miles down the road. If they need anything, we can get it over quickly. The closer it is, the more you can feel you have some control.”

SpindleTap Brewery, one of Houston’s fastest-growing craft beer brands, also opened, offering passengers the chance to sample the city’s brewing culture before boarding their flights.

“Hobby Airport is a point of pride for Houston and a powerful economic engine for our region,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston Airports. “With the addition of two more local favorites, we are delivering on Mayor Whitmire’s call to support local businesses while highlighting the best our city has to offer. We want travelers to stop, dine and truly enjoy their time in our airports, because the Houston experience should begin the moment you walk through our doors.

The dual openings are part of the Houston Airport System's strategic plan to refresh Hobby’s concessions program with a slate of new Houston-centered dining options, including Velvet Taco, The Rustic, Throughgood Bistro, Common Bond Café, Fat Cat Creamery and Landry’s Seafood House.

Francisco Cuellar, chief commercial development officer for Houston Airports, said the additions are a sign of things to come. “Your first taste of Houston’s best can start at Hobby before you even leave the airport. Killen’s and SpindleTap set the tone for a world-class, Houston-friendly experience,” Cuellar said.

Passengers can find Killen’s Barbeque near Gate 40 and SpindleTap near Gate 29. Both concessions concepts are operated by Areas.