Austin’s Iconic Chuy’s to Relocate Headquarters to Florida Amid Darden Acquisition

Austin’s Iconic Chuy’s to Relocate Headquarters to Florida

Austin, Texas – Chuy’s, the well-loved Tex-Mex restaurant known for its colorful decor and hearty dishes, will be moving its headquarters out of Texas. The change comes after Darden Restaurants Inc., a major player in the restaurant industry, announced that it will transfer Chuy’s central operations to Orlando, Florida. This adjustment is intended to bring the restaurant closer to Darden’s other facilities.

Company Statement

A spokesperson from Darden explained that, “For Chuy’s to benefit from Darden’s competitive advantages, we will need to consolidate the support functions at their home office in Austin and transfer them to our Restaurant Support Center in Orlando.” This move has raised questions among both employees and fans of the restaurant.

Uncertain Future for Employees

As of now, Darden has not offered a specific timeline for when the headquarters will officially make the move or how it might impact Chuy’s current workforce. However, the company has reassured employees that they will remain in their current positions until at least February 2025. This notice comes as Chuy’s has grown significantly in recent years, currently operating 101 locations across 15 states, and generating over $450 million in total revenue in the 12 months ending March 31, 2024.

Financial Details of the Acquisition

In July, Darden Restaurants revealed that it would acquire Chuy’s for $37.50 per share, marking an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $605 million. Chuy’s will become part of Darden’s expanding portfolio, which includes well-known brands like Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Rick Cardenas, Darden’s CEO, expressed his enthusiasm about adding Chuy’s to their lineup. “Chuy’s is a differentiated brand within the full-service dining industry with strong performance and growth potential,” he said.

The Legacy of Chuy’s

Founded in 1982 in Austin, Chuy’s grew to be a favorite among locals for its creative and delicious Tex-Mex cuisine, including made-from-scratch sauces and large portions. Its unique, eye-catching interior and vibrant atmosphere have made it a recognizable spot in the city. The restaurant made a big financial move in 2012 when it successfully launched an $87.2 million initial public offering of common stock on the Nasdaq, indicating its growth and popularity.

Darden’s History with Texas

Darden is no stranger to Texas’s dining scene, as it bought Eddie V’s Prime Seafood and Wildfish Seafood Grille brands in 2011 for $59 million, demonstrating an ongoing interest in the state’s thriving restaurant culture.

Recent Tragedy

This year has also brought sadness to the Chuy’s community with the passing of co-founder Mike Young at age 74 due to pancreatic cancer. Young was instrumental in making Chuy’s a go-to spot for many locals and visitors. He also co-founded other popular Austin restaurants such as Hula Hut and Shady Grove.

Conclusion

The news of Chuy’s relocation is bittersweet for the city of Austin, which has long cherished this restaurant as part of its cultural fabric. As the team prepares for this next chapter under Darden’s umbrella, many will be watching closely to see how the move impacts the restaurant and its dedicated employees.