Made in House: Houston is presented by The Speke Originals Network (https://www.spekepodcasting.com/spekeoriginals)

Nousha Nowamooz traces Hungry’s from its 1975 beginnings as a Montrose sandwich shop to a Houston institution. She discusses family legacy, plant-based innovation, neighborhood loyalty, longtime favorites, and the responsibility of helping a multigenerational restaurant continue to grow with the city.

Learn more about Hungry's: https://hungryscafe.com/

Key takeaways

1. Hungry’s was founded in 1975 by Fred Sharifi as a small, affordable international sandwich shop in Montrose.

2. Family leadership expanded the concept with entrees, brunch, catering, and multiple locations.

3. Nousha’s mother helped evolve the menu through her culinary training and kitchen leadership.

4. Hungry’s plant-based menu began as a series of specials and grew into a defining strength.

5. Nousha describes the experience of carrying the family business forward as “pressure is a privilege.”

6. Her family encouraged her to explore other interests, but school and career lessons kept leading her back to the business.

7. Hungry’s longevity comes from neighborhood trust, menu evolution, scratch-made food, and consistent hospitality.