Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill to close in the Woodlands

See other restaurants that have closed this year. less FILE - An undated photograph of the original Skeeter's Mesquite Grill on Weslayan near West University. Thursday, the chain announced it was closing its popular Woodlands location after nearly two decades in operation. FILE - An undated photograph of the original Skeeter's Mesquite Grill on Weslayan near West University. Thursday, the chain announced it was closing its popular Woodlands location after nearly two decades in ... more Photo: Skeeters Mesquite Grill Photo: Skeeters Mesquite Grill Image 1 of / 53 Caption Close Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill to close in the Woodlands 1 / 53 Back to Gallery

After nearly 20 years of service, Skeeter's Mesquite Grill will close its location in The Woodlands, 4747 Research Forest Dr., on Nov. 19. The Adair family, which owns three other Skeeter's locations (the original at 5529 Wesleyan, and stores in Kingwood and Sugar Land) decided not to renew its lease in The Woodlands.

"We want to express thanks to all of our Woodlands friends and customers for your support during these past 20 years," the Adairs stated in a release Thursday.

Known for its mesquite-grilled burgers, salads, tacos, and Tex-Mex plates, Skeeter's was founded in 1988 by Gary and Betsy Adair, who opened their first store on Wesleyan in the West University neighborhood. The company grew, eventually acquiring one of Houston's oldest Tex-Mex restaurants, Los Tios, in 2000.

Today the Adairs own four Los Tios restaurants. In 2012 a second generation of Adairs – siblings Nick Adair and Katie Adair Barnhart – took the company in a fresh new direction with the opening of Adair Kitchen at 5161 San Felipe. The younger Adairs branched out further, opening Eloise Nichols Grill & Liquors at 4310 Mid Lane last year. That was followed by the opening of Bebidas Juice, Coffee + Bites, at 2606 Edloe.

The Adairs said they are working with employees of The Woodlands Skeeter's to transfer them to other locations or assist them with placement in other restaurants.