Pappas Brothers Take Over Luby's Helm, Repositioning Looms

AUSTIN-San Antonio-based Luby’s, which put its expansion plans on hold nine months ago, has received a shot in the arm today with the announcement of new management by the Houston-based Pappas brothers.

Christopher and Harris Pappas run the popular Pappas family restaurant chains of Pappasito’s Cantina, Pappadeaux, Pappas Bar-B-Que and Pappas Bros. Steakhouse. Yesterday, Luby’s announced Christopher Pappas is Luby’s new president and CEO. Harris Pappas is the new Luby’s COO. Stepping down as acting CEO, president and board chairman is David Davis, who will remain a board member.

In a statement from the company, Christopher Pappas says Luby’s is a great franchise and they look forward to bringing their restaurant experience to Luby’s. Company officials say it’s premature to talk about how the Pappas brothers might position Luby’s and what that might mean in terms of products, locations and expansion. The company owns 231 locations in 10 states, with the stronghold of Luby’s cafeterias in Central Texas. The Austin-San Antonio corridor is home to 33 Luby’s restaurants, including locations in Round Rock, New Braunfels and Georgetown.