Chuy’s Tex-Mex, a beloved fixture in Dallas known for its queso, tacos, and margaritas, will close its doors on McKinney Avenue after dinner on April 19, 2025.
Following its closure, the restaurant will move to a new location at 1520 Greenville Ave., near a vibrant stretch of restaurants and bars in East Dallas’ Lower Greenville area, reopening on April 28, 2025.
This new venue will be just two miles away from its original site, offering a larger space and double the parking capacity for patrons.
The decision to relocate comes as the Knox-Henderson area undergoes significant transformation, with the site of Chuy’s being repurposed for a new 12-story office building, indicative of the changing dynamics of the neighborhood.
“This area is on fire now,” remarked Ray Washburne, an investor involved in the ongoing development.
The Knox Street region, which straddles Highland Park and Uptown Dallas, is seeing an influx of upscale establishments and new developments.
Significant investment from firms including MSD Capital, The Retail Connection, and Trammell Crow Co. is reshaping the landscape, with plans to develop 13 acres around Knox Street, enhancing the economic profile of the area.
Washburne noted that Knox Street has evolved from a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood to one bustling with high-end dining and retail options.
The transformation of the area has been aided immensely by the Katy Trail, a walking path that replaced the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad and opened in 2000.
The availability of safe pedestrian crossing has helped invigorate the once-sluggish neighborhood, inviting foot traffic that has spurred development.
With the arrival of prominent brands such as Apple, Yeti, and Lululemon, the area continues to grow in popularity, alongside stylish restaurants like Georgie and Green Point Seafood and Oyster.
Perhaps most notably, a new hotel by Auberge Resorts known as The Knox is set to open soon, further highlighting the area’s upscale trajectory.
However, as the neighborhood flourishes, some beloved establishments have fallen victim to development pressures.
Chuy’s is the latest in a line of casual dining spots that could not withstand the changing tide, a line that includes Highland Park Pharmacy and Highland Park Cafeteria, which have left fond memories for many Dallasites.
Chuy’s has been a long-standing member of the Knox-Henderson community, having served Dallas diners since its initial opening in the West End in 1987.
The restaurant’s history includes a relocation to its current spot on McKinney Avenue in 1993, where it became a local staple, famously serving dishes like Chicka-Chicka Boom-Boom chicken enchiladas and oversize burritos.
Despite the impending move, the team at Chuy’s is choosing to view the transition as an opportunity for a fresh start.
“It’s been an honor to be part of the Dallas community for more than 30 years and serve guests at our restaurant in the Knox-Henderson district,” a representative shared.
“We’re excited to move to a new, bigger restaurant just two miles away.”
Chuy’s will have a festive reopening just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations, marking its move on April 28, 2025, just a week before the holiday.
Pivotal to their character, the quirky Elvis statue that has adorned Chuy’s will also make the journey to the new site, where he will continue to greet diners with his iconic charm.
As Knox Street continues to morph into a hub of upscale dining and retail, many longtime establishments have shut their doors, showcasing the impact of rising demand for luxury spots.
Diners at Knox will recall the memories tied to Highland Park Pharmacy, a century-old institution for grilled cheeses and milkshakes, which closed in 2018, replaced by the upscale restaurant Mister Charles.
Highland Park Cafeteria, popular for its comfort food, also faced the end of its legacy with its final location closing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the Border, which began as a casual taco shop, expanded significantly over the years before leaving its Knox Street location, once receiving accolades as a Tex-Mex cantina.
Yet, not every restaurant has vanished; some establishments like Cafe Madrid, which has been serving tapas near Knox Street since 1990, still thrive amidst ongoing construction.
Owner Alberto Lombardi attributes the success of certain restaurants to their ability to provide more affordable options amidst a landscape increasingly characterized by high-end dining.
“There are many restaurants that are very upscale, competing for the same 10% of the population,” Lombardi explained, suggesting this mix is essential to maintaining a vibrant neighborhood.
The ongoing evolution of Knox Street illustrates a change not only in the architectural landscape but also in the dining scene, as high-end restaurants increasingly set their sights on the community.
Chuy’s closure is indicative of broader shifts affecting the area, with many legacy establishments having already succumbed to the demands of modern development.
Washburne noted that the recent uptick in growth is not without its poignant losses, as people remember the classic spots that defined the neighborhood.
With the opening of new developments such as Knox & McKinney, set to debut in 2028, the focus remains on providing a modern living environment in Dallas.
The momentum shows signs of continuing dynamism, as businesses and investors see potential in this vibrant corridor that has become a crown jewel of modern Dallas.
Dallasites look forward to watching the evolution of Knox Street into a lively destination, even as they mourn the closing of cherished establishments like Chuy’s.
In reflecting upon the rapid changes, one must acknowledge the delicate balance of preservation and progress in shaping the future of such a culturally rich community in Dallas.
image source from：https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2025/04/18/8-pivotal-dallas-restaurants-knox-street-while-development-surges-chuys-closes/
