LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
CONTACT US
  • Texas
  • Austin
  • Dallas Fort Worth
  • Houston
  • San Antonio
  • Rio Grande
  • United States
  • Around the Globe
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Politics
08/07/2025

Stay Informed and Engaged with LAWIN.news—Your Updated Daily News Source for Filipino-Americans in Texas

ADVERTISE WITH LAWIN
08/07/2025
LAWIN.news

End of an Era: Z’Tejas Closes After 35 Years of Serving Southwestern Cuisine

by Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news July 7, 2025
written by Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news July 7, 2025
A Z'Tejas location in Texas. BILLY CALZADA/SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS
68

After more than three decades of serving iconic Southwestern and Tex-Mex cuisine, Z’Tejas, a beloved restaurant chain originating in Texas, has permanently closed its doors. The final closure took place at the last remaining Z’Tejas location in Kyle, Texas, on June 30, marking the end of a significant chapter in the state’s culinary history. This decision was influenced by a combination of expired leases and challenging market conditions, as indicated in a farewell note from the chain.

Z’Tejas was founded in 1989 in Austin, Texas, on Sixth Street, at a time when Southwestern cuisine was beginning to gain national attention, partly due to culinary pioneers like Houston’s Robert Del Grande. The restaurant’s founding team included notable names such as Paul Fleming of Fleming Restaurants, and Austin restaurateurs Guy Villavaso and Larry Foles. Under the culinary direction of founding chef Jack Gilmore, Z’Tejas quickly became a sought-after dining destination, eventually expanding to 14 locations across Texas, California, and Arizona, with its headquarters established in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Despite its initial success and expansion, Z’Tejas faced significant challenges in the mid-2010s, undergoing ownership changes and multiple bankruptcy proceedings. In 2017, Cornbread Ventures, an Austin-based firm, acquired the chain. However, by 2023, the original Austin location closed due to landowner disputes, and attempts to sell the remaining locations failed to attract buyers, leading to the final shutdown.

Randy Cohen of Cornbread Ventures expressed the difficulties faced by the restaurant industry, emphasizing the need for consistent execution and adaptability. Despite the closure, the legacy of Z’Tejas and its contribution to southwestern cuisine remains deeply ingrained in the culinary landscape of Texas.

Share 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestThreadsBlueskyEmail
Mae De Vera, LAWIN.news

Mae De Vera is a passionate advocate, creative professional, and entrepreneur. A graduate of Political Science from Saint Louis University and a law student of Arellano University, Mae is dedicated to empowering marginalized communities through outreach programs and advocacy. With a background in digital artwork, event flyer design, ESL teaching, and business management, Mae brings a versatile skill set to her endeavors. She also embraces her love for nature through farming, integrating sustainability into her life. Mae’s leadership experience as a consistent school student leader reflects her commitment to making a difference. Today, she combines her creativity, advocacy, and entrepreneurial spirit to create impactful stories and initiatives that inspire change. Disclaimer: The views and beliefs expressed by the author do not necessarily represent those of LAWIN.news, its management, editorial board, or staff.

previous post
FIBA Asia Cup 2025: Gilas adds RJ Abarrientos, Rhenz Abando, and two more to pool
next post
Japan, South Korea face 25% tariffs as Trump rolls out new trade penalties

You may also like

Trinity Rail Announces Closure of Longview Facility, Affecting 170 Jobs Amid Industry Downsizing

August 6, 2025

Ope Amosu: Balancing Family, Business, and Culture in an 18-Hour Day

July 28, 2025

New Life for Former Heights Restaurant Location with Little Taco Shop’s Arrival

July 22, 2025

Terry Black’s Barbecue Announces Major Expansion into Houston’s Culinary Scene

July 17, 2025

Tech Giants Intel and IBM Announce Significant Layoffs in Texas Amid Strategic Restructuring

July 10, 2025

H Mart Plans Expansion with $4.45 Million Project in Sugar Land

July 9, 2025

Recent Posts

  • New USCIS Policy could lead to deportation for immigrants applying for Green Cards through marriage
  • FBI steps in to help locate ‘runaway’ Texas House Democrats
  • PBA stays quiet on controversial 3-year ban
  • Defense team joins Sara Duterte in celebrating Senate case dismissal
  • Professor at UT-Dallas files suit alleging bias after protest-related arrest

Recent Comments

  1. Texas and the Philippines Economic Collaboration: APECO and PACCTX-GHR meet at PCG in Houston - Bagong APECO on Texas – Philippines Economic Collaboration: APECO and PACCTX-GHR Meet at PCG in Houston

Recent Posts

  • New USCIS Policy could lead to deportation for immigrants applying for Green Cards through marriage

    August 7, 2025
  • FBI steps in to help locate ‘runaway’ Texas House Democrats

    August 7, 2025
  • PBA stays quiet on controversial 3-year ban

    August 7, 2025
  • Defense team joins Sara Duterte in celebrating Senate case dismissal

    August 7, 2025
  • Professor at UT-Dallas files suit alleging bias after protest-related arrest

    August 7, 2025

Stay Updated!

Get the new articles and photos.

LAWIN.news

Providing high-quality news stories that matters to its readers. It’s core mission is “Stay informed and engaged with LAWIN.news—where every story counts.”

  • P.O. Box 20561 Houston, Texas 77225
  • Email Address: neska@mylawin.com
  • Support: helpdesk@mylawin.com

About Links

  • Contact
  • About Us
  • Compliance
  • Media Relations
  • Advertise With Us
  • Corporate Information
  • Apps & Products

Useful Links

  • Privacy Policy
  • Data Tracking
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Personal Information
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Login | Register Account

Newsletter

Get the new articles and photos.

Latest News

Professor at UT-Dallas files suit alleging bias after protest-related arrest
Texas Senate approves bathroom bill mandating use by birth sex
Texas woman wins $83M jackpot after legal showdown
Harrison Ingram re-signs with Spurs under 2-way agreement

@2025 – All Right Reserved. Made with ❤️ by myVATA.co

Facebook Twitter Instagram Linkedin Youtube
LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
LAWIN.news
  • Home
  • About Lawin
  • Community Events
  • Livestream
  • Faces & Voices
  • Podcasts
    • Legal Treats
    • Teacher Talk
    • Pink Table Talk
    • Be Bold. Why Not.
    • Commissary Kitchen
    • Beyond Health & Wellness
@2024 - All Right Reserved. Designed and Developed by myVATA.co