Tex-Mex Favorite to Join Target, Home Depot and In-N-Out at The Willows

(UCBJ) – The UCBJ has learned that Chuy’s is set to open its restaurant at The Willows in “late spring/or early summer 2027.”

A spokesman for Darden, the restaurant group that owns Chuy’s and eight other restaurant brands, including Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Capital Grille, told the Upper Cumberland Business Journal (UCBJ) that the company is looking forward to the opening.

“We’re excited to bring Chuy’s to Cookeville and introduce guests to our one-of-a-kind take on Tex-Mex, featuring fresh, made-from-scratch dishes, signature ‘ritas, and our famous creamy jalapeño dip – all served in a fun, eclectic atmosphere,” said the Darden spokesperson.

This follows a report that construction on the restaurant is set to begin Oct. 3.

“We’ve received outstanding support from the city and expect to open in late spring/early summer 2027,” according to a Darden spokesperson.

The Willows sits on a 40-acre tract of land at the southeast corner of S. Willow Avenue and I-40 and will feature Target, Home Depot, In-N-Out, McDonald’s and Chuy’s.

Chuy’s was founded in 1982 in Austin, Texas, before growing into a household name. The restaurant has also been on many people’s “please come to Cookeville” list for years. Its first location outside of Texas opened in Franklin, Tennessee, in November 2009.

Today, it operates more than 100 locations across 15 states, including eight other locations in Tennessee.

This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.

Photo via Chuy’s.

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