End of an era for one local restaurant as it closes its final location
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Z'Tejas officially closed its final location Monday, marking the end of a 36-year run that began right here in Austin.
The Southwestern-style Tex-Mex chain opened its first restaurant in 1989 on West Sixth Street in downtown Austin. Over the following decades, Z'Tejas expanded throughout Texas and Arizona.
However, the company hasn't faced an easy road—battling issues like bankruptcy in 2015 and 2017, which led to closures at several locations in Arizona.
Investor Randy Cohen stepped in around 2017 to help revive the business and became the sole owner in 2020.
As of June 30, 2025, the Southwest Tex-Mex chain said it has officially closed its chain for good.
"We are deeply grateful to our guests, neighbors, and friends for your support, your stories, and for making Z’tejas a part of your lives. It’s been our honor to serve you," said the Z'tejas management team.
According to the team, their lease was coming to an end, and after considering "the challenges of today's market," they felt it was the right time to bow out.