It’s official: Velvet Taco at HOU is the best in North America

Houston's homegrown favorite was crowned Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept at the Airport Experience Awards just one year after debuting its first-ever airport location at Hobby Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

Velvet Taco, a Houston-born favorite, has firmly planted its roots in the city's vibrant food scene—and now, it's earning national recognition. The innovative taco concept operated by LaTrelle's Management Corporation inside William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) clinched the Best Quick-Serve Restaurant Concept award in the medium/small airport category at the 21st annual Airport Experience (AX) Conference on April 1 in Washington, D.C.

Houston Airports, Velvet Taco win AX Award

From left to right: Houston Airports Director of Aviation Jim Szczesniak with members of the James family, which owns and operates Latrelle's, and Houston Airports Director of Concessions Libby Hurley.

The honor comes just a year after Velvet Taco opened its first airport location in partnership with LaTrelle's and a decade after the brand debuted on Houston's Washington Avenue with a bold idea: tacos don't have to follow the rules.

Since then, Velvet Taco has become a beloved local fixture, known for its globally inspired flavors, made-from-scratch ingredients and funky, fast-casual vibe. Its presence in Hobby Airport is a natural extension of that success—and a testament to the city's appetite for local flavor in every terminal.

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The AX award win confirms that Velvet Taco is a quick-service concept that provides a high-quality, exceptional experience for travelers in a quick-turnaround format.

"This award puts a national spotlight on the transformation happening at Hobby Airport," said Libby Hurley, director of concessions for Houston Airports. "Together with LaTrelle's, Velvet Taco brings personality, flavor and serious culinary credibility to our lineup of airport dining options."

Located near Gate 46, Velvet Taco opened in February 2024 as one of the first completed projects in a multi-phase, multi-year overhaul of Hobby Airport's food and beverage program. The restaurant pushes the edge of multicultural boundaries with a vegan and gluten-free menu, sizzling steak tacos and margaritas to-go.

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"We're not just serving tacos. We're serving up a whole vibe," Hurley said. "Velvet Taco offers something for everyone—with flair and fast service."

With travelers responding enthusiastically, a second airport location will open later this year in the newly expanded Terminal D at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Velvet Taco's win also sets the stage for what's next: phase 3 of Hobby Airport's dining transformation is now in motion, with more celebrated local concepts—including SpindleTap Brewery, Common Bond and Killen's Barbecue—coming soon. Recently featured in Houston's first-ever Michelin Guide, Killen's earned a Bib Gourmand nod for delivering exceptional flavor at an approachable price.

"Houston Airports is committed to creating a world-class experience for travelers," said Hurley. "That includes a dining experience that reflects Houston's bold, diverse and unforgettable tastes."