Vince Young Steakhouse, a staple of downtown Austin’s dining scene for 15 years, closed its doors Sunday, ending its run as a go-to spot for business dinners, entertaining out-of-town guests and milestone celebrations.
Opened in 2010, the steakhouse had become known for its upscale yet approachable atmosphere and its prime location near the Austin Convention Center and the city’s entertainment districts. Despite its association with the former University of Texas quarterback, Vince Young had not been involved in the restaurant’s operations for several years. The restaurant was owned and operated by chef Phil Brown and his wife, Laura Brown, the daughter of Houston furniture magnate Jim “Mattress Mac” McIngvale.
“This decision was not made lightly,” Phil Brown said in a news release. “We are incredibly proud of what this restaurant has meant to Austin and deeply grateful to every guest and every employee who made the past 15 years possible.”
The Browns cited rising labor, food and operating costs as well as the broader challenges facing independent, single-location restaurants in a rapidly evolving downtown Austin as factors in the closure.
In a statement, Young reflected on the restaurant’s role in the city. “Austin has always been home to me, and this restaurant was created to reflect the city’s heart—welcoming, warm and full of character,” he said. “I’m incredibly proud that my name was part of a downtown Austin staple, run by some of my best friends, in a city that means so much to me.”