A popular Tex-Mex fusion chain with Korean barbecue flair has closed the doors to one of its longtime locations in Central Texas. After 11 years of operation, Chi’Lantro has shuttered one of its Austin locations on Burnet Road.
Signage on the door of the restaurant at 5222 Burnet Road said its final day of service was April 30, according to initial reports from the Austin Business Journal. When MySA drove by on Monday, May 4, there was no signage posted, but the interior looked rather bare with boxes atop a table and most chairs stacked against the wall. Chi’Lantro founder Jae Kim confirmed to MySA via email that he decided to close the location after he could not come to a new lease agreement with the landlord.
“This was a difficult decision for us,” Kim said. “It was our 2nd brick and mortar location back in 2015 and we put a lot of effort into trying to find a path forward. In the end, we couldn’t get to a place that felt sustainable for the business long term.”
According to Kim, Chi’Lantro’s rent was set to increase “well above 30%,” which he explained would have had a significant impact on his business. Kim said employees at the location knew of the closure months in advance, and 20 team members from the restaurant have already relocated to other Chi’Lantro locations.
He added that he does not plan to open a new location to replace the recently closed restaurant, but will continue operating his nearby Austin-area locations.
“While we understand the market has changed, continuing to operate there didn’t feel responsible for us,” Kim said. “There are never easy decisions, especially when so much history is tied to a space.”
Chi’Lantro currently operates nine Austin locations, including another on Burnet Road (11005 Burnet Road) about 5 miles north of its shuttered space, and one in the Mueller neighborhood. Kim said the chain will gift its regular customers at its closed location with a 10% discount as they now have to drive farther to visit Chi’Lantro.
“Austin has always shown us so much love, and we are incredibly grateful for our community,” Kim said. “While we are closing this chapter, the relationships and memories from that store will always be part of who we are.”
Founded in 2010, Kim launched Chi’Lantro as a food truck in Austin to pursue his dream of running a Korean BBQ and Tex-Mex fusion business, which has become known for its original Kimchi Fries. In 2017, Kim appeared on an episode of ABC’s “Shark Tank” and landed a deal with investor Barbara Corcoran.
The chain has since grown to now have 12 Texas locations, most of which (9) are in Austin, with two in Houston and one in San Marcos. Kim concluded by saying he hopes to continue growing thoughtfully: “It’s not just about opening more restaurants, it’s about building places that truly serve the community in the right way.”