An Elvis shrine, a wall of local dog photos, metal palm trees and a hubcap-covered ceiling are all soon to be found on Gunbarrel Road.
The décor is a common one for Chuy’s, a Tex-Mex restaurant based out of Austin, Texas, which plans to open its sixth Tennessee location at 2271 Gunbarrel Road this June.
Owner Christine Bailey said she first invested in Chuy’s in Kentucky several years ago, but has actually been in the restaurant industry for 26 years. Now that she is exploring – and investing in – Chattanooga with her first local restaurant, she is eager to do more.
“We are looking forward to getting connected into our community and becoming a place where people can enjoy good food, family and friends,” she said. “Chuys isn’t just fresh, but affordable, making it the perfect place.”
Nationwide, Chuy’s believes in making a positive difference in the communities it serves, she added. Each Chuy’s location picks a local charity to support, and the Gunbarrel location is no exception.
The Chattanooga location will help support The Chambliss Center for Children with a fundraiser during the restaurant’s grand opening events – being held June 28 – and through ongoing contributions afterward.
“We are excited that Chuy’s is coming to town and has chosen to partner with our organization,” Katie Harbison, vice president of development and administration for the children’s home, said in a prepared statement. “We share a passion for children and a desire to help the local community. This kind of philanthropic spirit is a trademark of Chattanooga.”
Chuy’s Chattanooga will open daily at 11 a.m., closing at 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and at 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Weekdays from 4-7 p.m., the restaurant will offer happy hour drink specials and a “fully loaded nacho car”: a build-your-own nacho station with chips, salsa, queso and more.
Updates and more information can be found at facebook.com/chuyschattanooga.
Email Gabrielle Chevalier at gchevalier@timesfreepress.com.