Artemis II launch could boost Houston-area businesses near NASA, legendary restaurant owner hope

The launch of the Artemis II mission could bring renewed business to the communities surrounding Johnson Space Center, echoing the economic impact seen during the space shuttle era. Local business owners along NASA Parkway say the return of human spaceflight to the moon is already generating excitement and customers. At Frenchie’s Italian Restaurant, a longtime gathering place for astronauts and NASA employees, owner Frankie Camera said he has seen a recent uptick in activity tied to the Artemis program. “Many times in the past week I have had them for dinner here and I’m very excited,” Camera said. “We have to have the same enthusiasm.”