Austin’s Chuy’s Relocates Headquarters to Orlando
AUSTIN, Texas — The popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain Chuy’s is making a big move, relocating its headquarters from the heart of Austin to Orlando, Florida. This comes after the recent acquisition by Darden Restaurants Inc., marking a significant change for the longtime Austin-based eatery.
On October 11, the sale of Chuy’s, valued at $605 million, was finalized after stockholders approved the deal the day before. Darden Restaurants Inc., which operates a wide range of well-known restaurants including Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, and Bahama Breeze, is excited to bring Chuy’s into its family of brands.
Chuy’s Long Legacy
Chuy’s has been a local favorite in Austin since its first location opened in 1982 on Barton Springs Road. Over the years, it has become a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine in the area, feeding customers delicious tacos, burritos, fajitas, and more. Currently, there are 101 Chuy’s locations spread across 15 states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. In Austin alone, there are five Chuy’s restaurants, along with others located in nearby cities like New Braunfels, San Marcos, and San Antonio.
Even with the move to a new headquarters, plans are still in place to expand the brand. A new Chuy’s location is expected to open in Hutto in 2025, promising to bring their beloved Tex-Mex dishes to more customers.
Financial Success
Over the past year, Chuy’s has reported impressive earnings, bringing in over $450 million in overall revenue. This financial success indicates that the chain has built a strong reputation and loyal customer base, making it an attractive acquisition for Darden.
CEO’s Vision
Chuy’s CEO, President, and Chairman Steven Hislop expressed excitement about joining the Darden family. He shared that Darden shares many of Chuy’s core values, particularly in terms of operational philosophy and creating a strong culture among team members. These principles are part of what has made Chuy’s so special to its fans over the years.
Impact on the Austin Community
Chuy’s departure will leave a noticeable mark on Austin, as the restaurant has been a cherished part of the dining scene for over four decades. It is not the only local business to undergo a major change recently. This past spring, the well-loved Alamo Drafthouse Cinema temporarily closed before getting acquired by Sony, a major film studio.
Future Plans
As of now, there is no specific timeline for Chuy’s move to Orlando. However, it is expected that the relocation will not take place until early 2025 at the earliest. This transition is sure to be a notable moment in the restaurant’s history as it moves to its new home.
For fans of Chuy’s, there is still time to experience their unique flavors and vibrant atmosphere in Austin before the big move happens. The Tex-Mex chain remains committed to serving its loyal customers, ensuring that for now, the taste of Chuy’s continues to thrive in the heart of Texas.
