Chuys was born in 1982 when Mike Young and John Zapp converted a dilapidated drive-in on Austin's Barton Springs Road into a vibrant, eclectic Tex-Mex restaurant. The philosophy was simple: serve honest, generous portions of made-from-scratch food in a fun and irreverent atmosphere.
Decades later, chuy's spirit remains unchanged. Every location reflects the same quirky personality and commitment to quality that first put chuys on the map. Our sauces, salsas and tortillas are still made fresh daily — because that's the only way we know how to do it.
All sauces, salsas and tortillas prepared fresh in-house — no shortcuts, no compromises.
We give back to the neighborhoods we serve through local partnerships and charitable giving.
Named one of America's best casual dining chains by multiple national publications.
At Chuys, our mission and values aren't just words on a wall — they shape every dish, every interaction and every decision we make.
We never settle for bland. Every recipe is designed to excite your taste buds with authentic, vibrant Tex-Mex character.
From the moment you walk in to the last bite, we treat every guest like family — warm, welcoming and sincere.
We source quality produce and proteins daily, committing to freshness and responsible sourcing at every location.
We invest in the communities around us through charitable programs, local hiring and neighborhood partnerships.
From a single Austin shack to a beloved national brand — here's how chuys grew into what it is today.
Mike Young and John Zapp open the first Chuys on Barton Springs Road in Austin, TX — transforming a run-down building into an instant local favorite.
Fueled by loyal regulars and word-of-mouth, Chuys opens three more Austin locations, solidifying its reputation as the city's best Tex-Mex.
Chuys expands beyond Austin into Houston and Dallas, bringing its signature green chile sauce and made-from-scratch tortillas to more Texans.
Celebrating 30 years, Chuys goes public on the NASDAQ, marking a major milestone while staying committed to the same scratch-made recipes from day one.
Chuys reaches 90+ locations across the United States, recognized by Nation's Restaurant News as one of America's fastest-growing casual dining chains.
Chuys continues to innovate — new menu items, online ordering and a refreshed digital experience — while staying true to the bold flavors that started it all.
Our team is a passionate, diverse family united by a love for great food and genuine hospitality.
With 18 years of culinary mastery, Maria leads our kitchen with passion and an unwavering devotion to authentic Tex-Mex techniques.
David ensures every Chuys location runs seamlessly, maintaining the high standards and fun culture that our guests expect.
Sofia drives our community outreach programs and signature events, ensuring Chuys gives back to the neighborhoods it calls home.
James crafts Chuys' beloved desserts and fresh-baked bread, blending Southwest inspiration with classic technique.
Interested in joining the Chuys family?
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