Last July, Eddie Arzola shut down Chuy Arzola's (the family restaurant named after his father) because of steadily declining business, one exacerbated by the closure of Highway 40. Today comes word of a refried rebirth...a new Chuy's, this one located in Midtown rather than Dogtown. (Joe Boccardi's will vacate their Coronado Hotel location at month's end). If you think about it, though, the new location makes perfect sense: beautiful building, more seats, huge patio, good viz, happenin' 'hood, captive collegiate audience...hey, it may not even matter that the highway's still closed. The new and improved Chuy Arzola's hopes to open within 90 days.
Meanwhile, barely across town in the Grove, Eddie's son, Coby Arzola, just broke ground for a 60-seat patio at his determinedly more upscale Agave Mexican Table and Tequileria.
So if you're thinking "Mexican" and "Midtown," the Arzola's hope to reel you in...small venue, gourmet fare and outstanding handmade margaritas at Agave; or fat burritos, nachos, and chimi's at Chuy's. You're covered, they're covered, everybody wins. -- George Mahe
