A Huge Restaurant Group Just Added Tex-Mex To Their Menu After Acquiring A Texas Based Chain.

While we've been reporting that several restaurant chains including Red Lobster have been going under, others have managed to survive and thrive in the post-pandemic world.

The company that actually once owned Red Lobster but sold it a few years back is replacing it with Tex-Mex as one of Texas' favorite chains has a new owner.

Darden Restaurants Is buying Chuy’s for approximately $605 million.

The parent company of Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House and other chains said the boards of Darden and Chuy’s have unanimously approved the acquisition. The deal is expected to close later this year, if it’s approved by Chuy’s shareholders.

Chuy’s Holdings Inc. was founded in Austin, Texas, in 1982. It now operates 101 restaurants in 15 states and has 7,400 employees. It’s known for its eclectic decor and fresh food, including handmade tortillas and sauces.

Chuy’s owns and operates all of its restaurants.

The deal comes as both restaurant companies have been struggling with a downturn in customer traffic due to consumer concerns about inflation (price-gouging) according to the Seattle Times.

Darden, based in Orlando, Florida, operates more than 1,900 restaurants and has 190,000 employees. It also owns Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Eddie V’s and Bahama Breeze.

It now adds a beloved Texas favorite to its portfolio/menu and hopefully the "quality" doesn't go down as is known to happen when smaller brands go big.