We’re more than a name people trust and a taste people love — we’re the partner you need
Bringing the Luby’s experience wherever you need it
If you’ve spent any time in Texas, chances are you’ve heard of Luby’s — maybe you’ve even had a plate of our famous comfort food, served hot and fresh with a smile. What you might not know is that we’ve been bringing that same warm, welcoming dining experience to places like hospitals, senior living communities, schools, and workplaces since way back in 2006. It just made sense to us — folks still want good food and friendly service, no matter where they are. Whether it’s in a hospital room, breakroom, or event hall, we’re proud to deliver high-quality meals with the same care and respect we’ve always been known for.
Our services are as flexible as they are flavorful. We offer everything from customizable menus and nutritional programs with lower-calorie recipes and powerhouse ingredients to retail options like Luby’s Kitchen Table — all without the hassle of franchise fees. We even provide full-service catering, whether you need box lunches for a quick meeting or a full dinner for a big crowd. And we’re here to be a true partner, too. That means we can manage your entire foodservice operation, bring in our own trained team (or keep your loyal staff onboard), and even work on a risk/reward management fee tied to shared goals. We’re happy to use our trusted vendors or work with yours, and we can also handle vending, markets, community events, and more.
Hospitality with heart
At the end of the day, it’s about making people feel cared for or cared about — whether they’re residents, employees, or guests — and that’s what our services are all about. From nutritious menu alternatives and diet education to restaurant-inspired recipes and effective delivery models, we work hard to make every meal part of a positive experience. We back it all up with real-time quality assurance audits, internal surveys, and our easy-to-use Menu Management System that gives staff and families peace of mind.
So if you’re ready to bring a little Luby’s comfort and care into your facility, we’d be proud to partner with you.
Our Purpose
We aspire to nourish lives one meal at a time with quality food and service with care. Our commitment to serving others first and building lasting relationships reflects our diverse culture of talented, highly motivated people
Our Values
Quality
Care
Integrity
Our Pillars
Trust builds relationships
Relationships drive inclusion
Inclusion promotes innovation
Innovation increases our chance of success and supports us in providing the possible
Our Community Affiliations
A taste of Texas history: the story of Luby’s
The Luby’s story starts way back in 1911, when Harry Luby opened his first cafeteria — the New England Dairy Lunch — serving up wholesome meals at prices folks could afford. His son, Bob Luby, learned the ropes and, in 1947, teamed up with his cousin Charles R. Johnston to open the very first Luby’s Cafeteria in San Antonio, Texas. It was a small spot — only about 40 seats — but folks quickly took to the warm, home-cooked meals and friendly service. It didn’t take long before word spread, and what started as a cozy neighborhood cafeteria began growing into something much bigger.
From the late 1940s through the 1990s, Luby’s expanded across Texas and the Southwest, bringing its signature comfort food, fair prices, and welcoming atmosphere to communities far and wide. By the mid-90s, Luby’s had nearly 150 locations, including a strong presence in cities like Houston. Of course, like any long-running business, Luby’s faced its share of ups and downs — changing dining habits and fewer trips to the mall made things tough in the 2000s.
In 2001, Luby’s was acquired by the Pappas brothers, owners of Pappas Restaurants, Inc., which relocated the company’s headquarters to Houston. In 2006, the group launched Luby’s Culinary Services (LCS) to bring high-quality food management to institutional settings. The idea was sparked when Christopher Pappas, CEO of Pappas Restaurant Group, witnessed the poor quality of meals at a Houston-area hospital. Confident that Luby’s recipes and operational expertise could deliver better results, he set out to transform the experience.
The results were impressive. In 2009, Food Management magazine named LCS one of the Top 50 Contract Management Companies—an honor the company earned again in 2023. By 2014, LCS had expanded to 20 locations, and in 2025 it became an Endorsed Partner of the Texas Hospital Association. Today, LCS partners with many of Texas’s top hospitals, including DHR Health, UMC Surgical Hospital, Coryell Health, Three Crosses Hospital, and Sweeny Community Hospital, among others. Luby’s Culinary Services also partners with senior living facilities and various businesses and industry corporations to provide foodservice management solutions.
Backed by the strength and resources of Pappas Restaurants, Luby’s Culinary Services continues to expand its operational capabilities and extend its reach in the institutional dining market.
