Five Exciting New Restaurants Are On The Way To George Bush Intercontinental Airport

Dining at the airport is generally a real drag, but IAH really isn’t that bad of a place to dine between flights. If you’re a United frequent flyer, though, you can look forward to a gigantic overhaul to the airport’s dining options.

According to a press release, United Airlines has announced plans to bring a ridiculously exciting lineup of restaurants helmed by some of Houston’s best chefs to the airport’s brand new C North Concourse.

Among the new eateries are a new "local, seasonal pizzeria" from Coltivare chef Ryan Pera, a Cajun-Vietnamese concept from Chef John Nguyen, and a "Houston-focused tavern" from Underbelly chef Chris Shepherd. Chef Monica Pope, who recently shuttered Sparrow Bar + Cookshop will create a "locally-inspired panini bar."

"United is pleased to bring this industry-leading airport experience concept to our Houston hub," United VP of Corporate Real Estate Gavin Molloy said in the release. "The collaboration with OTG will provide exceptional food, beverage and retail options with the comfort and high-tech amenities that travelers today want."

For the uninitiated, OTG operates more than 200 restaurant and retail concepts at 11 airports in North America, including CIBO Express Gourmet Markets. Five of those locally-focused markets, along with OTG concept Republic Grille, have already opened up in Terminal E.

No official timeline has yet been announced for the rollout of these exciting new additions to IAH’s culinary scene, but don’t hold your breath – the C North Concourse isn’t expected to open until early 2017 – at the earliest.