Roberto Garza
Founder & CEO
The heart and soul of Chuys. Roberto brings over 30 years of culinary passion and his family's treasured recipes to every menu decision he makes.
25+
Years of
Tradition
Tradition
Our Story
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Where Chuys Began — A Family Tradition
Chuys was born from a simple dream: to share the vibrant, soul-warming flavors of authentic Mexican cuisine with the people of Birmingham, Alabama. Since opening our doors in 1999, the chuy's experience has always been rooted in family, community, and a deep respect for culinary tradition passed down through generations.
Our founder, Roberto "Chuy" Garza, immigrated from Monterrey, Mexico with little more than his grandmother's handwritten recipe book and an unshakeable passion for cooking. Starting as a small taco stand at a local farmers market, word spread quickly — and what began as a weekend tradition grew into the beloved full-service restaurant that Birmingham now calls home.
Farm-Fresh Ingredients
We partner with local Alabama farms to source the freshest seasonal produce and proteins for every dish we serve.
Time-Honored Recipes
Our recipes honor generations of Mexican culinary heritage — made from scratch daily with traditional spices and techniques.
Community First
Chuys gives back to the Birmingham community through local events, charity partnerships, and supporting neighborhood programs.
1999
Founded
85K+
Happy Guests
120+
Menu Items
4.8★
Average Rating
Our Purpose
Mission, Vision & Promise
Everything we do at Chuys flows from a clear set of guiding principles that have shaped us since day one.
Our Mission
To deliver an authentic, joyful Mexican dining experience that nourishes body and spirit — using honest ingredients, bold flavors, and genuine hospitality that makes every guest feel like family.
Our Vision
To become the most beloved Mexican restaurant brand in the United States — a place where culture, community, and great food come together across every city we call home.
Our Promise
Every visit to Chuys will feel warm, welcoming, and delicious. We promise fresh food made with care, served with a smile — every single time you walk through our doors or order online.
Core Values
What We Stand For
These values are the foundation of every dish we create and every interaction we have.
Authenticity
We stay true to traditional Mexican recipes and cooking methods, never compromising on flavor or heritage.
Freshness
Every ingredient is sourced fresh and our food is prepared daily — no shortcuts, no frozen shortcuts.
Community
We believe in investing in our neighborhoods, supporting local suppliers, and giving back wherever we can.
Passion
Our love for food and people drives us to raise the bar every day — in the kitchen and out front with our guests.
Our Journey
Chuys Through the Years
From a humble taco stand to a celebrated Birmingham institution — here's how we grew.
1999
The Beginning
Roberto "Chuy" Garza opens a small taco stand at the Birmingham Pepper Place Farmers Market. Lines form every Saturday morning as word spreads about his grandmother's legendary chile verde.
2003
First Restaurant Opens
After four years of growing demand, Chuys opens its first brick-and-mortar restaurant on Highland Avenue in Birmingham — a cozy 48-seat dining room that quickly becomes a neighborhood staple.
2008
Catering & Community
Chuys launches its catering arm, bringing authentic Mexican flavors to corporate events, weddings, and festivals across Alabama. The community program "Feeding Birmingham" is also established this year.
2014
Summit Blvd Flagship
The flagship Summit Blvd location opens in Vestavia Hills — a 200-seat full-service restaurant with a vibrant bar, private dining room, and an open kitchen concept that showcases our chefs in action.
2019
20th Anniversary & Online Ordering
Chuys celebrates 20 years of serving Birmingham. We launch our online ordering platform and expand the menu to 120+ items, including dedicated vegetarian and gluten-friendly options.
2024
Franchise Program Launches
Chuys opens its franchise program to bring the authentic chuy's experience to food lovers across the United States. The future is bright — and delicious.
Meet the Team
The People Behind Chuys
Our passionate team brings skill, creativity, and heart to everything they do — from the kitchen to the front of house.
Maria Fuentes
Executive Chef
A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Maria leads our kitchen with creativity and discipline — perfecting classic dishes while introducing seasonal specials that guests love.
David Kim
Operations Manager
David ensures every Chuys location runs like clockwork. With a background in hospitality management, he is the engine that keeps our guest experience consistently exceptional.
Sofia Reyes
Community & Events Director
Sofia builds the relationships that make Chuys more than a restaurant. From catering partnerships to charity drives, she weaves us into the fabric of Birmingham life.
Want to join the Chuys family? We are always looking for passionate people.
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