Many who drive down Shepherd Drive just south of I-69 in Houston will likely assume that there is only one Italian restaurant named Spaghetti Western. But there is another about three miles northwest up T.C. Jester Boulevard near the city’s North Loop. Both are operated between two families—the Pecks and the Figueroas—and they have been for roughly a quarter century.
That was the case until this week.
Both families announced Wednesday Spaghetti Western would break the pasta in half, so to speak. The Figueroa family will operate the Original Spaghetti Western Italian Cafe on 1608 Shepherd Dr., and the Peck family will operate the Spaghetti Western Italian Cafe & Bar on 1951 W T.C. Jester Blvd. The two restaurants are now officially separate and no longer affiliated.
There didn’t seem to be any bad blood between the two in their social media statement.
“After many years of working together, the Shepherd location and the TC Jester location of Spaghetti Western have mutually decided to part ways and move forward independently,” the statement read. “This decision was made with respect for one another and appreciation for everything we’ve built together.”
Jennifer and Gary Figueroa and Tyler Peck opened the first Spaghetti Western on Shepherd Drive in 2000. The name was Tyler’s idea, Jennifer told Chron in July 2025, evoking the classic Western films made by Sergio Leone and other Italian filmmakers. Unlike most Italian restaurants, Spaghetti Western incorporates Southwestern flavors into the menu. It’s why you can see things like nachos and enchiladas, and lasagna with sour cream and tomatillo sauce.
As of Thursday, both restaurants are still doing their Southwest-Italian thing. Chron has reached out to the owners. We’ll update the story when we hear back.
Dining and Cooking