Houston's Hobby Airport celebrates change as it reopens the departure-level ramp; Opens Pappas Bar-B-Q

HOUSTON, July 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Houston Airport System celebrates two important developments that are sure to put smiles on the faces of the millions of customers who fly in and out of William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) by putting customers' needs first and sprinkling in some Texas flavor.

Effective immediately, Hobby's departure-level roadway/drop-off ramp is re-opened to vehicle traffic. In a ribbon cutting ceremony, airport executives celebrated the new and improved Hobby entrance to the terminal.

"We're extremely pleased to announce the opening of the departure-level ramp at Hobby three months earlier than originally scheduled," said Ross Underhill , Hobby Airport interim general manager. "With this opening, the passengers will once again experience the convenience and ease of access."

The Hobby Airport construction project, which began October 26, 2011, enhances the customer experience with improved safety by eliminating curbs and providing protected walkways for customers.

Meanwhile, Texas-based Pappas Restaurants held Hobby's second ribbon cutting ceremony in one day to celebrate its new Pappas Bar-B-Q located in the Hobby Airport lobby before passengers go through the security checkpoint screening area.

"By offering this popular Pappas restaurant at Hobby Airport, we're giving customers and their friends and family an appetizing reason to arrive early for a departure or grab a bite upon arrival with anyone picking them up from a flight," said Mario C. Diaz , Houston Airport System director of aviation. "We know that folks may even order dinner for the entire family 'to go' before heading home and that is true southern hospitality!"

Pappas Bar-B-Q operates from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays.

"Hobby has been a wonderful place for our brands and we are very pleased to be opening another restaurant in one of our hometown airports," said Pappas Restaurants' owner, Chris Pappas .

The Houston Airport System served 49.9 million passengers in 2011. Houston's three airports, George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) contribute over $27 billion to the regional economy.  Visit fly2houston.com and follow us @HobbyAirport and @IAH.

SOURCE Houston Airport System

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