Situated in an old bungalow, Hungry’s International Sandwich Shop opened its doors in 1975 on lower Westheimer, in the Montrose area. Boasting over 20 different types of freshly prepared sandwiches and over 100 imported beers, Hungry’s offered Houstonians a global variety of fresh fare that was healthy and affordable. Almost 50 years later, this principle remains a core value today.
By the mid 1980s, Houston was in a full oil-boom—and so was Hungry’s. At that time, the only options for delivery were pizza, and for a lucky few, Chinese food. Hungry’s acted as a home-away-from-home, offering home-cooked meals to be enjoyed both in its restaurants and at home. Hungry’s pioneered the local take-out and delivery market in a city known for working moms and corporate dads, hungry kids, and urban sprawl. The original idea behind Hungry’s was to offer delicious, healthy comfort food at affordable prices – a value that stays true today. The menu’s diverse array of international cuisines is part of Hungry’s DNA, much like that of Houston.
Beyond the traditional restaurant experience, Hungry’s has expanded its offerings to cater to the diverse needs of its guests. Weekend brunches invite guests to indulge in a vibrant atmosphere, while catering services and private events provide an opportunity to share the restaurant’s culinary delights with a broader audience. The versatility of the establishment ensures that, whether you’re seeking a casual family dinner, a celebratory brunch, or a catered corporate affair, there is an option to suit every occasion.
Today, Hungry’s continues to be led by Fred Sharifi and Ashkan Nowamooz, his wife and executive chef, Sue Nowamooz, and the newest addition, his daughter, a graduate from UH Hilton College, Nousha Nowamooz. Hungry’s continues to offer Houstonians a diverse array of menu options including seasonal lunch and dinner specials, a robust weekend brunch menu, a relevant selection of wines, and uniquely blended fruit and herb-forward cocktails, all made fresh-to-order. Hungry’s celebrated its 45th anniversary in 2020, one of its most challenging times.
As Hungry’s gears up for its 50th anniversary, the restaurant group is preparing to expand for the first time in 40 years as Hungry’s makes its next move to the Tanglewood neighborhood. With two locations in Houston – one on Memorial Drive and one in Rice Village, Hungry’s has impressed the community with scratch-made cuisine and time-tested recipes since 1975. This Spring, Houstonians can find this inviting, family-owned and operated concept at 5750 Woodway in Tanglewood. “Thank you to the Houston community — we cannot wait to see what the future holds!”
To learn more, visit Hungry’s website.