faqs

H Town Restaurant Group is a Houston based hospitality group focused on creating meaningful dining experiences and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The group supports its employees through training, recognition, advancement, and the creation of new businesses.

The group's story began in 1983 when Tracy Vaught opened Backstreet Cafe. What began as one neighborhood restaurant grew into a family of distinctive Houston dining concepts.

The H Town family includes Backstreet, Hugo's, Caracol, Xochi, URBE, and Zaranda.

Backstreet serves seasonal American cuisine. Hugo's celebrates regional Mexican cooking. Caracol explores the coastal cuisines of Mexico. Xochi highlights the flavors and traditions of Oaxaca. URBE focuses on Mexican street food. Zaranda offers a modern interpretation of Mexican and Las Californias cuisine.

The leadership team includes owner Tracy Vaught, Executive Chef and owner Hugo Ortega, Director of Communications Sophia Ortega, Executive Pastry Chef Ruben Ortega, Director of Operations Carlos Neri, and Director of Human Resources and IT Taj Walker.

H Town explores possibilities that create opportunities through hospitality. The group recognizes talent, supports personal growth, provides training, and creates paths for advancement so team members can reach their highest potential.

All six concepts are located in Houston. The restaurants can be found throughout areas including River Oaks, Montrose, Uptown, Uptown Park, and Downtown Houston. Visit each concept's website for its full address, directions, and current hours.

Reservations can be made through the individual restaurant websites. Choose your preferred concept and use its reservation link to select your date, time, and party size.

Large party policies vary by restaurant. Contact the selected concept directly so its team can confirm availability and recommend the best reservation or private dining option. Hugo's and Xochi ask parties of six or more to call the restaurant for brunch reservations.

Each concept's Hours and Location page provides its current service hours, address, telephone number, and available parking information. Hours may change for holidays and special events, so checking the individual restaurant website before visiting is recommended.

Several H Town concepts offer online ordering or food to go. Availability, menus, and pickup times vary, so guests should order through the selected restaurant's official website.

Lunch, dinner, brunch, dessert, happy hour, and beverage menus are available on each restaurant's website. Menu selections and prices may change based on seasonality and availability.

Several concepts provide vegetarian and vegan selections, and some menus identify common allergens. Please inform your server about allergies or dietary needs before ordering so the restaurant team can discuss available options. Kitchens handle a wide range of ingredients and cannot guarantee a completely allergen free environment.

Brunch experiences are offered at several H Town concepts, including Hugo's, Caracol, Xochi, URBE, and Zaranda. Service style, days, live entertainment, and pricing differ by restaurant, so review the current menu before making a reservation.

Selected brunches, holidays, and special events may feature live music. Hugo's, Caracol, and Xochi currently promote live music during their Sunday brunch experiences. Event schedules may change, so check the restaurant's current event or brunch page.

Parking options depend on the restaurant. URBE offers free parking at Uptown Park. Xochi offers valet parking at its Downtown location. Zaranda offers valet during selected hours and also provides information about nearby street parking. Check the chosen restaurant's location page before arriving.

Yes. H Town concepts offer private or semi private spaces for occasions such as business dinners, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, graduations, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, and cocktail receptions. Available rooms and capacities vary by location.

Complete the Events and Catering inquiry form on the H Town website. The group will connect you with a banquet coordinator who can help match your gathering with the appropriate restaurant and event space.

Yes. Catering options are available through the individual restaurant concepts. Depending on the selected restaurant, services may include full service catering, drop off catering, custom menus, and private dining at the restaurant.

Selected concepts provide off site catering in addition to events hosted at their restaurants. The event team can explain available service styles, menus, staffing, and location requirements.

Menu options vary by concept and event. Some restaurants offer curated set menus and may also work with guests to create a menu suited to their occasion. Speak with the banquet coordinator about dietary needs, service style, and menu preferences.

Some private dining spaces provide televisions or audiovisual capabilities for presentations and entertainment. Equipment and support vary by room, so these needs should be discussed during the planning process.

Gift cards can be purchased through the H Town Restaurant Group store. They are available as physical cards mailed to the recipient or virtual cards delivered by email.

Yes. H Town gift cards are valid at Backstreet Cafe, Hugo's, Caracol, Xochi, URBE, and Zaranda.

Visit the Careers page to review open positions and submit an application. Applicants may also send a resume when their preferred position is not currently listed. For general questions, comments, or media inquiries, use the information provided on the Contact page.