If you’ve ever enjoyed a spicy brunch at Z’Tejas, you might want to grab a tissue.
The beloved Southwestern restaurant chain has officially closed its doors after nearly four decades of serving up made-from-scratch meals across Texas and Arizona.
Its final location, tucked away in Kyle, Texas, served its last plate on June 30, 2025.
The Last Chapter for a Regional Staple
On its website, Z’Tejas left a heartfelt goodbye message: “After nearly three decades of serving communities across Texas and Arizona, it’s time to say goodbye to this chapter.”
The company cited the expiration of its final lease and broader market challenges as the reasons behind the closure.
While the Kyle location was the last to go, this wasn’t a sudden decision.
The chain had slowly been downsizing for years.
A Shrinking Legacy
Back in its heyday during the 1990s, Z’Tejas was a force in Southwestern dining.
The brand once stretched across 14 restaurants, including spots in Arizona and even California.
But over time, the business started to struggle.
The 2010s were particularly tough. Z’Tejas filed for bankruptcy twice—once in 2015 and again in 2017—after facing fierce competition and changing customer trends.
A Comeback That Never Quite Happened
In 2018, things looked promising when entrepreneur Randy Cohen, the founder of TicketCity, swooped in and acquired the struggling chain.
His goal? To revive the magic of Z’Tejas and bring it back to life.
“We’ve got so much love and spirit at Z’Tejas and I just want to see it bounce back to the magic it used to be,” Cohen said in a 2023 interview.
To that end, the company poured over $1 million into a revamp—sprucing up restaurants with new furniture, murals, landscaping, and decor.
There was even hope of finding a new buyer to continue the legacy.
Hope Faded with No Buyers in Sight
Despite the refreshed look and loyal customer base, Z’Tejas couldn’t attract any serious buyers.
Co-owner Robby Nethercut said the locations were performing well, but that wasn’t enough to secure the chain’s future.
Ultimately, the lack of bidders sealed the restaurant’s fate. The final chapter closed quietly, marking the end of a once-popular dining institution in the Southwest.
A Wave of Closures in the Restaurant World
Z’Tejas isn’t alone in calling it quits. 2025 has been a tough year for mid-sized restaurant chains across the U.S.
In April, the health-conscious EVOS burger chain also closed its doors after 31 years.
New York-based chicken joint Sticky’s Finger Joint announced a complete shutdown after a failed bankruptcy recovery.
Even big-name chains are struggling—On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, a direct competitor to Z’Tejas, filed for bankruptcy earlier this year and is shutting down 76 locations in 24 states.
Industry Giants Aren’t Immune Either
Some well-known chains are barely hanging on.
Bar Louie, a Dallas-based pub chain, and celebrity-favorite Planta are both dealing with the fallout from recent bankruptcy filings.
Meanwhile, Jack in the Box and Noodles & Company are still closing dozens of locations in a bid to avoid going under, even though they’ve steered clear of formal bankruptcy—for now.
Saying Goodbye to a Local Legend
For longtime fans of Z’Tejas, the closure isn’t just the end of a restaurant—it’s the end of memories, of family brunches, private parties, and spicy dishes that felt like home.
Though the lights have gone out, the impact it made across Texas and Arizona won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Z’Tejas, thanks for the flavor, the warmth, and the decades of great food. You’ll be missed.