News Summary
Kim Son Restaurant, a beloved dining establishment in Houston, has officially closed after 43 years due to the Interstate 45 expansion project. Originally opened by the La family in 1982, the restaurant played a significant role in introducing Vietnamese cuisine to the city. While they will cease operations at the Jefferson location, Kim Son will continue catering services until the end of 2025. The closure has prompted an outpouring of memories from loyal customers, underscoring the restaurant’s importance to the community.
Houston
Kim Son Restaurant, a cornerstone of the Houston dining scene, has closed its doors for good after 43 years of operation. The restaurant ended its services at its East Downtown location on Sunday, October 12, 2024, largely due to the ongoing Interstate 45 expansion project. This major infrastructure overhaul, which involves a $13 billion investment, aims to reduce traffic congestion and enhance drainage systems in the area. Unfortunately, the project has already led to the closure of several other local businesses.
The La family originally opened Kim Son in 1982 on Pease Street after fleeing Vietnam’s communist regime. In 1993, Kim Son relocated to Jefferson Street, where it became the largest restaurant in Houston, specializing in both Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. Over the years, Kim Son grew to be a vital establishment for the Vietnamese community in Houston, helping to introduce and popularize Vietnamese cuisine among a broader audience.
The family’s patriarch, affectionately known as “Mama La,” played a crucial role in the restaurant’s success, having memorized over 250 recipes from her time in Vietnam. Owner Tao La expressed gratitude toward loyal guests, staff, and neighbors in a farewell message on social media, signifying the heartfelt connections the restaurant fostered over decades.
Longtime customers are now flocking to the restaurant, sharing cherished memories in the lead-up to its closure. While the Jefferson location will cease operations, the only remaining Kim Son restaurant is located in Bellaire. In a move to continue serving its dedicated clientele, Kim Son will maintain catering services through the end of 2025 at the Jefferson location before fully closing.
For many, Kim Son was not just a restaurant but a community landmark. Its commitment to catering for weddings and celebrations further solidified its legacy within Houston’s social fabric. The La family has expressed hopes of returning to East Downtown in the future, indicating aspirations to sustain a presence in the area despite the impending closure.
The I-45 expansion is expected to transform the downtown landscape significantly, with numerous businesses facing uncertainty as the project progresses. As Kim Son wraps up its celebrated run, its legacy as a pillar of the Vietnamese community and revered dining spot will undoubtedly linger in the hearts of customers and residents alike.
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Additional Resources
- KHOU: Kim Son Restaurant Closing
- CultureMap: Kim Son Restaurant Closes
- Houston Chronicle: Kim Son Closes
- AOL: I-45 Freeway Project Impact
- Click2Houston: Kim Son Closes After 43 Years
- Wikipedia: Houston
- Google Search: Kim Son Restaurant
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
