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OTG gets liquor license for new restaurant at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport

OTG gets liquor license for new restaurant at Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport

Built World Houston, TX local

The concessionaire's latest step in rolling out dining across United's rebuilt terminal

4 days ago: Texas ABC issues mixed-beverage license to OTG

Overview

Updated 1 hour ago

OTG Management, which runs hundreds of restaurants in U.S. and Canadian airports, received a Texas mixed-beverage license on September 16, 2026, for a new venue at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston. The permit lets the location at 3100 N Terminal Rd serve liquor, wine, and beer to travelers.

The license is a required step before a bar or restaurant can pour alcohol. It signals OTG's next concept at the airport is close to welcoming customers, continuing a partnership with United Airlines to remake dining in the carrier's rebuilt terminal complex.

Why it matters

This permit lets OTG open another bar at Houston's international airport, giving millions of annual travelers a new place to eat and drink.

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Key Indicators

300+
OTG airport dining and retail locations
Across North America's busiest airports, per the company's own site.
40
New gates in United's C-North terminal
Gates United is adding at IAH; the first phase opened in April 2025.
MB
Permit type
Texas mixed-beverage license allowing on-premises liquor, wine, and beer sales.

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People Involved

Organizations Involved

Timeline

April 2025 September 2026

2 events Latest: 4 days ago
  1. Texas ABC issues mixed-beverage license to OTG

    Latest Permit

    The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission issued OTG Management IAH LLC a mixed-beverage permit for a venue at 3100 N Terminal Rd, Houston, allowing on-premises alcohol sales.

  2. United opens first phase of C-North terminal

    Infrastructure

    United Airlines opened the initial section of its rebuilt C-North terminal at IAH, with new gates and dining space. OTG runs several of the food concepts.

Scenarios

1

OTG's new IAH venue opens within a year

Likely Resolves by Sep 16, 2027

Discussed by: OTG job listings and Houston airport business coverage

The mixed-beverage license clears the venue to pour alcohol. OTG has posted server and shift positions at IAH, a sign it is staffing the new location. If the venue opens, travelers in the rebuilt terminal get another dining option.

2

OTG adds more concepts as C-North fills out

Likely Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Houston Chronicle aviation coverage and United project communications

United has been opening C-North gates in phases, and each phase brings new retail and dining space. OTG is positioned to operate a share. If the trend holds, another OTG license and venue should appear within the next year or two.

3

Terminal rollout slips; fewer venues than planned

Possible Resolves by End of 2027

Discussed by: Industry analysts tracking airport construction

Large terminal projects frequently face delays from construction, supply chain, or airline demand swings. If United slows the remaining C-North phases, OTG would likely open fewer venues than hoped in the near term.

Historical Context

3 moments from history that rhyme with this story — and how they unfolded.

2015-2017

United's B-North rebuild at IAH (2015-2017)

United rebuilt the aging Terminal B at Houston IAH into the B-North concourse, opening new gates, lounges, and dining in phases. OTG was among the concessionaires brought in.

Then

B-North became the modern model for United's Houston hub operations.

Now

It set the pattern of United pairing with OTG on food and beverage across the airport.

Why this matters now

The new September 2026 license continues that long-running partnership at a different, newer terminal.

2016-2020

LaGuardia Terminal B redevelopment (2016-2020)

New York rebuilt LaGuardia's Terminal B at a cost of billions, replacing a cramped 1960s facility with a new terminal featuring local restaurants and a dedicated food hall.

Then

The new terminal drew wide attention for its dining program and raised passenger expectations.

Now

It became a template for airport dining overhauls, pushing other airports to upgrade concessions.

Why this matters now

Houston's C-North effort follows the same playbook: a rebuilt terminal with elevated dining and local chefs.

2019-2023

Newark Liberty Terminal A (2019-2023)

New Jersey opened a new Terminal A at Newark Liberty with 33 gates and a dining program run in partnership with an airport concession company.

Then

The terminal's food and retail program became a central feature of the new space.

Now

It reinforced the industry shift to concessionaire-driven dining in rebuilt U.S. gateways.

Why this matters now

It's the same model OTG is executing in Houston: a rebuilt terminal where dining is a marquee feature.

Sources

(5)

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