Carlos Rivera
Executive Chef
With 20+ years in Tex-Mex cuisine, Carlos is the creative force behind our signature green chile sauce and seasonal menu innovations.
Our Story
About Chuys — Crafted With Passion
Chuys has been a cornerstone of bold, authentic food in United States for decades. Every dish we serve carries our founding promise: real ingredients, generous portions, and the kind of warmth that turns first-time guests into lifelong family.
Est. 1982
San Antonio, Texas
How It All Began
A Love Story Between Food & Community
Chuys was born from a simple idea: that great food should be accessible, joyful, and made with genuine care. Founded in 1982 in Austin, Texas, by Mike Young and John Zapp, chuys quickly became a beloved gathering place for locals who craved bold Tex-Mex flavors in an atmosphere that felt like home.
From the very beginning, chuy's philosophy centered on fresh, hand-crafted recipes — the kind passed down through generations. Our signature green chile sauce, hand-rolled tortillas, and made-from-scratch salsas remain unchanged to this day, honoring the traditions that made us who we are.
Today, Chuys has grown across the United States while holding tight to those original values. Whether you dine in San Antonio or order online, you receive the same commitment to quality, generosity of spirit, and flavors that have defined us for over four decades.
40+
Years of Bold Flavor
100+
Menu Items Crafted Fresh
500K+
Happy Guests Served
4.7★
Average Guest Rating
Our Purpose
Our Mission & Promise
At Chuys, our mission is simple: to nourish people — body and soul — through unforgettable Tex-Mex food crafted with real ingredients, cooked with passion, and served with genuine hospitality.
"We don't just feed people; we create moments worth remembering around a table full of bold, beautiful food."
We believe that every guest deserves a meal that feels personal, every team member deserves a workplace they're proud of, and every community we touch is better because Chuys is part of it.
Best Tex-Mex 2023
Top Rated Chain
Fresh Ingredients
What We Stand For
Core Values That
Core Values That
Guide Everything We Do
Genuine Hospitality
We treat every guest like family — with warmth, attentiveness, and a genuine smile that can't be faked or scripted.
Fresh Ingredients
From our hand-rolled tortillas to our made-from-scratch salsas, every component is prepared fresh, every single day.
Community First
We invest in the neighborhoods we serve — sponsoring local events, sourcing locally where possible, and giving back generously.
Bold Authenticity
We stay true to real Tex-Mex tradition — never cutting corners, never sacrificing flavor, always honoring the recipes that define us.
Our Journey
A Legacy Built One Dish at a Time
More than four decades of growth, flavor, and community — here are the moments that shaped Chuys into what it is today.
1982
The First Table Is Set
Mike Young and John Zapp open the original Chuys in Austin, Texas. With mismatched décor, fresh tortillas, and a green chile sauce nobody could stop talking about, a legend quietly begins.
1990
Expanding the Family
Chuys opens its second location as word spreads across Texas. The line out the door on opening day confirms what loyal guests already know — this food is something special.
2002
Crossing State Lines
The first out-of-state Chuys opens in Nashville, Tennessee, introducing the Deep South to made-from-scratch Tex-Mex. The response is overwhelmingly enthusiastic.
2012
Publicly Celebrated
Celebrating 30 years of bold flavor, Chuys goes public on NASDAQ (CHUY). The milestone marks a new era of growth while the founding team reaffirms their commitment to quality over quantity.
2018
San Antonio Roots Deepen
A flagship Chuys location opens in San Antonio at 8438 TX-151, bringing authentic Tex-Mex directly to the heart of its cultural homeland — serving as our proudest restaurant to date.
Today
Still Made From Scratch
Decades later, the tortillas are still rolled by hand, the chile sauce is still made fresh daily, and every guest still leaves a little more satisfied than when they walked in. That will never change.
The People Behind the Food
Meet Our Leadership Team
Behind every incredible plate is a dedicated team of culinary artists and hospitality professionals who pour their passion into everything they do.
Maria Santos
Director of Operations
Maria ensures every Chuys location delivers the same outstanding guest experience — from first bite to final farewell — without exception.
James Okafor
Community Relations
James bridges Chuys with the communities we love — leading charitable programs, local partnerships, and events that bring people together.
Sofia Chen
Culinary Innovation
Sofia leads our test kitchen, blending traditional Tex-Mex roots with contemporary culinary techniques to craft menu additions guests keep requesting.