The gist
Orlando-based Darden Restaurants is set to acquire Chuy’s for approximately $605 million, the companies announced in a July 17 joint news release. The Darden brand owns over 1,900 restaurants worldwide, including Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Bahama Breeze, among others.
"Chuy's is a differentiated brand within the full-service dining industry with strong performance and growth potential," Darden President and CEO Rick Cardenas said in the release. "I am excited to welcome their 7,400 team members to Darden and diversify the Darden portfolio into a new dining category."
Zooming in
Chuy’s was founded in Austin in 1982 and has grown to feature 101 restaurants in 15 states, according to the release.
On the menu
Chuy’s Tex-mex menu features tacos, enchiladas and house favorites such as chicken flautas and the chuychanga, according to its website. The restaurant also features eight signature sauces including deluxe tomatillo, boom-boom and hatch green chile.
What they’re saying
Chuy’s CEO and President Steven Hislop said the company is excited to join the Darden family, highlighting their similarities in operating philosophy and providing a strong team member culture.
"Together we will accelerate our business goals and bring our authentic, made-from-scratch Tex-Mex to more guests and communities," he said.
