The Story of Pappas

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen is the largest concept in one of the largest family-owned and operated restaurant companies in the United States. The Pappas family of restaurants offers many different cuisines and traditions, but common to all is an obsession with quality food and superior service that's reflected in every aspect of the Guest experience. Pappas is a respected leader in the competitive restaurant industry. The Pappas philosophy hasn't changed much over the years. The drive still comes from a passion for excellence, a focus on innovation and attention to detail and quality in everything we do.

The Early Days. It Started in 1897

The warm, inviting atmosphere and family-focused attitude found in every Pappas restaurant started well before the Pappas brothers opened their first restaurant in 1976. It all began with their legendary grandfather, H.D. Pappas. He left Greece in 1897 and traveled to America to pursue his dreams. He brought with him a passion for quality and service that became the benchmark of his success as he opened restaurants throughout Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas. It was this same dedication 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 and supply 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, bringing the family’s American dream full circle.

Fun Facts
2.27 million
baguettes baked in our own bakery per year
48,000 gallons
of olive oil per year
132
pecan halves in every whole pecan pie
100
delicious menu items to choose from
300,000 bottles
of wine served every year
144,000 gallons
of made from scratch salad dressing every month
240
trucks in our own delivery fleet
From Drivers to Guests. Our Family is bigger than you think

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

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

4th generation restauranteurs. From Generation to Generation

Harris and Chris still lead the chain of Pappas restaurants with more than 90 locations in seven states, throughout Texas, and with locations in New Mexico, Ohio, Georgia, Illinois, Arizona and Colorado. Based in Houston, the still privately-owned and operated business is a highly respected leader in the industry nationwide.

Pappas Restaurants are known for outstanding food, exceptional service and an atmosphere where people go to be treated like Guests; to be entertained and to enjoy great food with the Pappas trademark of quality. With warm, inviting atmospheres, big, open layouts and exciting themes to each concept, Pappas offers 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 the New World: a passion for quality food and service, careful attention to detail, and a determination to treat every person that walks through the door as a welcome Guest.

Pappas offers something for everyone. Guests can enjoy Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen for fresh seafood and Louisiana-style favorites; Pappasito’s Cantina for legendary Tex-Mex; Pappas Bar-B-Q for the best slow-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 Yia Mary’s Greek Kitchen for unique, flavorful cuisine from the Mediterranean; Pappas Seafood House for the freshest Gulf Coast seafood around; and Dot Coffee Shop for comfort food 24 hours a day.

It starts & ends with the food. Family Owned

We're a family owned and operated restaurant company, which means our core values have been passed down from generation to generation. We're constantly focused on innovation, attention to detail and quality in everything we do. Over the years, our steadfast values and top-notch team have kept prospective 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.

The Pappadeaux Difference. Fun, Festive, & Always Original

To say we’re obsessed with freshness is an understatement. Since opening our doors, Pappadeaux has been the epitome of delicious seafood. We’ve been on a mission to shorten the time between when product is caught and when it arrives in our kitchens. We own and operate our own fleet of delivery trucks, and we’re constantly refining our distribution system. This allows us to deliver fresh seafood directly from the docks to our restaurants daily. Our menus change more often than almost anyone in the business, ensuring only the freshest, most seasonal selections find their way to your plate. And that’s not just seafood — that goes for produce and even the sauces that we make from scratch every day right on the line.

Innovation has always been at the heart of our never-ending pursuit of loyal, happy Guests. Our chefs are constantly trying new dishes and refining old favorites. Much of our testing is done in live, working Pappadeaux kitchens, allowing us to get immediate Guest feedback on what’s a new hit and what needs more work. As tastes and trends change, so do we; bringing not only new flavors and combinations to classic dishes but also fresh culinary inventions that delight and satisfy our biggest fans as well as our newest Guests.

Of course none of this would matter if it weren’t combined with excellent service in a comfortable and fun atmosphere. Huge portions, hand-crafted drinks and a friendly, expertly-trained staff are all hallmarks of the Pappadeaux experience. From shore to dock, prep table to dining room table, the name Pappadeaux has become synonymous with fresh, delicious seafood served in a fun, festive atmosphere that you can’t find anywhere else.

DID WE MENTION IT'S A BIG FAMILY? WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERY TASTE, THERE'S NO REASON TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE