AUSTIN, Texas — Longtime Austin-based Tex-Mex chain Chuy’s is relocating its headquarters from Austin to Orlando, Florida.
According to a report from the Austin Business Journal, the $605 million sale of Chuy's to Darden Restaurants Inc. became final on Oct. 11, after Chuy's stockholders approved the acquisition on Oct. 10. The Orlando-based restaurant operator owns multiple popular eateries, including Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Eddie V's, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, Bahama Breeze and a number of others.
"We are excited about the opportunity to join the Darden family and its portfolio of well-respected brands," Chuy's CEO, President and Chairman Steven Hislop said after the acquisition was initially announced in July. "Darden shares many of our same core values, particularly our operating philosophy and strong team member cultures."
In Austin, Chuy's has remained a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine since its first location opened in 1982 on Barton Springs Road. For more than 40 years, the restaurant has been serving tacos, burritos, fajitas and more to its customers.
As of July, there are currently 101 Chuy's locations in 15 states across the U.S., such as Arkansas, Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia and Alabama.
Austin alone boasts five Chuy's spots, with others in nearby cities like New Braunfels, San Marcos and San Antonio. Most recently, the chain announced its plans to introduce a new location in Hutto, expected to open in 2025.
Over the past year, the company has earned more than $450 million in overall revenue.
Chuy's isn't the only Austin business to be taken over by larger corporations. This spring, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema temporary closed before being purchased by major film studio Sony.
A timeline for the move to Orlando has not been set, but it won't take place until the beginning of 2025 at the earliest.