Texas just got a shot of star power in its dining scene. The Michelin Guide, the world's most coveted arbiter of culinary excellence, officially landed in the Lone Star State with a grand ceremony in Houston on November 11. According to the Michelin Guide, more than 115 restaurants across Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio are now the 'best restaurants' in Texas.

Among the celebrated names earning a spot in this inaugural spotlight was Killen's Barbecue in Pearland, recognized on the Bib Gourmand list for delivering unmatched flavor at a great value. For travelers, the buzz doesn't stop there—come next summer, William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) will welcome its own Killen's BBQ location, bringing award-winning Texas barbecue straight to the terminal as part of Hobby Airport's dining transformation.

The Bib Gourmand nod isn't just an accolade—it's a badge of honor that sets Killen's apart from the crowd. Unlike the Michelin Guide's famed star ratings, the Bib Gourmand category celebrates eateries that balance quality and value perfectly, offering top-tier dishes that don't break the bank. For Killen's, known for its tender, slow-smoked brisket and Texas-style ribs, this recognition reinforces what locals and visitors already know: it's barbecue worth a trip.

"As the first and only 5-Star airport in North America, Hobby Airport must feature iconic local favorites that resonate with our travelers," said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. "Having a Michelin-recognized establishment like Killen's BBQ aligns perfectly with our commitment to excellence. The Michelin Guide, known for spotlighting the best in food, goes hand in hand with the best experience we aim to offer at Hobby. This addition elevates the travel journey from the moment passengers step into our terminal."

The Michelin Guide, established by the Michelin tire company in 1900, began as a simple travel companion for motorists in France, offering maps, tire repair instructions and listings of places to eat and rest. Over the years, it evolved into the world's most prestigious culinary guide, setting a global standard for excellence in dining. The Michelin Guide aims to highlight the best culinary experiences globally, awarding one to three stars to restaurants that display exceptional quality, creativity and consistency. The Bib Gourmand category, introduced later, celebrates establishments that offer outstanding food at moderate prices, ensuring travelers can discover unique dining experiences without splurging. The guide's influence has become synonymous with culinary distinction, making expanding to new locations a landmark event for local and international food scenes.

"The Michelin Guide has long been a trusted resource for travelers seeking the best dining experiences, so bringing Killen's Barbecue into Hobby Airport is a natural fit," said Francisco Cuellar, Chief Commercial Development Officer for Houston Airports. "Your first taste of Houston's best can start at Hobby before you even leave the airport. As we continue transforming Hobby's dining portfolio into the very best Houston has to offer, Killen's stands in great company alongside other tremendous local favorites, ensuring our passengers get an authentic and high-quality culinary experience."

Houston Airports is elevating culinary options and spotlighting local gems as it reimagines the airport dining experience at Hobby Airport. Killen's is among a long list of local restaurants opening inside the airport between 2024 and 2026. Velvet Taco, Fat Cat Creamery, The Spot, The Rustic, Throughgood Bistro, Common Bond Café, SpindleTap Brewery, Pink's Pizza, Dish Society and Landry's Seafood House are among the local favorites joining trusted national brands inside Hobby Airport.

Hobby's addition of Killen's promises to add a delicious twist to the travel experience when the barbeque spot opens inside the airport next summer. Travelers will find that even in transit, they can savor a taste of Texas that's as authentic as it gets.