For over a century, Christie’s Seafood and Steaks has been a beloved staple in Houston’s dining scene, serving generations of locals and visitors alike with high-quality Texas Gulf seafood and time-honored recipes.
Founded in 1917, Christie’s has weathered historic events from the Spanish flu to the COVID-19 pandemic, proving that resilience, consistency, and community connection are at the heart of its enduring success.
One of the most defining challenges came with the passing of the restaurant’s founder, requiring Maria Christie—the current Operator and General Manager—to step into leadership of the 108-year-old family business. Coupled with navigating the pandemic, staffing shortages, rising food costs, and evolving customer expectations, it was a period that demanded growth and resilience.
“Enduring these challenges as a newfound business operator forced me to grow and evolve quickly,” said Maria Christie.
“I became more resilient, more practical, and more confident in making tough decisions. It also made me more committed to protecting what makes Christie’s so special, while building something that can last for the next generation,” she explained.
The consistency in our food and in our hospitality is what keeps generation after generation of customers coming back, even as the world around us changes.Maria Christie, Operator and General Manager of Christie's Seafood and Steaks
Christie emphasized the importance of community and a strong, nurtured team for any entrepreneur.
“Have a consistent, vibrant presence within your business. Build relationships within your community. A nurtured and well-trained team is the ‘secret sauce’ for delivering exceptional, empathetic service to your customers,” she explained.
“Likewise, listen to your customers—they’ll tell you what they want, and once they see you provide it, they’ll keep coming back,” Christie added.
Consistency and quality have been the cornerstones of Christie’s success for generations. Signature dishes like their legendary fried shrimp and famous fish sandwich have stood the test of time because the restaurant remains committed to traditional recipes and high-quality ingredients.
“Trends come and go, but it’s paramount that we remain committed to the principles that have made us the historic dining institution we are today,” Christie noted.
“The consistency in our food and in our hospitality is what keeps generation after generation of customers coming back, even as the world around us changes. Genuine connection with guests transforms service into an experience and ensures long-term success,” she said.
For over 100 years, Christie’s Seafood and Steaks has proven that true staying power comes from consistency, craftsmanship, and meaningful community connections. These are the pillars that turn meals into memories and a business into a legacy.
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