Long-time Tex-Mex chain Trudy’s has shuttered its last location in Austin, according to an announcement on Instagram this past Monday.
First opening its doors in 1977, Trudy’s quickly became an Austin favorite. It was beloved by the community for its scratch-made food and martinis. Despite its popularity, the chain struggled financially and filed for bankruptcy in 2020. That same year, Trudy’s, North Carolina-based venture capital firm Hargett Hunter acquired Trudy’s along with South Congress Cafe, in an effort to revitalize the brand.
Jeff Brock, a managing partner at Hargett Hunter, reflected his connection to Trudy’s in a 2020 statement: “I will never forget, I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. Literally, it was the first place we went [in Austin], so it’s something that I’ve just always connected with; I’ve always known about it and followed through the years.”
Why is Trudy’s Tex-Mex closing its Austin location?
At the time of the acquisition, Trudy’s had three locations, with plans to grow the brand across Texas and the country post-pandemic. However, a series of closures followed: South Congress Cafe in 2021, Trudy’s Texas Star location on 409 W. 30th St in 2022 and Trudy’s South Star location on 901 Little Texas Ln in 2022.
Trudy’s cited several reasons for its closures, including fire damage, vandalism and conflicts with city zoning lines. In a press release, CEO Scott Taylor also acknowledged economic challenges as a significant factor.
Although this marks an end of an era for Trudy’s in Austin, the restaurant hinted at future endeavors in its Instagram post: “While this chapter closes, Trudy’s Tex-Mex continues forward, and we’re excited for what’s to come.”