Manager Alexander Hoover said he plans to retire and shut down the East Austin restaurant after more than 50 years in the industry.

AUSTIN, Texas — An East Austin southern restaurant is closing its doors for good after nearly 30 years.

On Thursday, Hoover’s Cooking owner Hoover Alexander announced his decision to shut down the restaurant on Monday, May 31, coinciding with his retirement. 

“After much praying and pondering, I know the time for me to transition is now,” Alexander said in a statement. “I’m grateful for the love and support of the greater Austin community for Hoover’s on Manor Road over 27 years. Transition doesn’t mean I’m over and done with. I will continue to be a part of serving and being a ‘place holder’ in our community. Please stay tuned!” 

Starting in June, the restaurant plans to host private events, serving customers with limited capacity for roughly two weeks. Then, on June 15, a final celebration will be held. More information will be available at a later date. 


The history of Hoover’s Cooking

Hoover’s Cooking has been serving customers at 2002 Manor Road since 1998. The restaurant offers a range of menu items including Chicken Fried Chicken Breast, Southern Fried Pork Chop, Hoover’s Hot Sausage and the Jamaican Jerk Chicken. 

Alexander has been working in the restaurant business since he was just 19 years old, when he started out in the kitchen at the Night Hawk, which closed in 2018. 

From there, he worked as a managing partner at Austin spots including Chez Fred and Good Eats Café before eventually opening Hoover’s in the late 1990s. 

The restaurant is currently open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays; and from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Dine in, take out and catering options are all available.Â