EST. 2005

About Chuys

Discover the story behind chuys — a passion-driven restaurant committed to serving authentic, flavorful food to every guest in Birmingham and beyond.

Chuys restaurant interior - where great food comes to life

20+ Years of Flavor

Our Story

How Chuys Came to Life

It all started in 2005 when founder Carlos "Chuy" Mendoza opened the first Chuys location in Birmingham, Alabama with a simple vision: to serve honest, bold, and unforgettable food that brings people together. Armed with family recipes passed down through generations and an unwavering love for authentic cuisine, Chuy turned a small corner spot into a neighborhood institution.

From the very first day, chuys became more than a restaurant — it became a gathering place. Friends celebrating milestones, families sharing Sunday dinners, students fueling late-night study sessions — all found a home at Chuys. The warmth of the kitchen matched the warmth of every welcome at the door.

"We don't just serve food — we serve memories. Every plate that leaves our kitchen carries a piece of who we are."

Today, chuy's legacy lives on through an expanded menu, a passionate team, and the same commitment to quality that launched us in 2005. We source fresh ingredients, honor time-tested techniques, and never stop asking: how can we make this even better?

View Our Menu

What Drives Us

Our Mission & Vision

Every great meal starts with a great purpose. Here's what keeps our kitchen fired up every single day.

Our Mission

To craft exceptional food experiences that nourish both body and spirit — served with genuine care, respect for our ingredients, and a deep love for the communities we feed.

Our Vision

To be the most beloved food destination in the United States — where every guest leaves satisfied, every team member feels valued, and every dish tells a story worth sharing.

Our Promise

Fresh ingredients, prepared with intention. Friendly faces, ready to serve. A dining experience that makes you want to come back — every time, without exception.

Core Values

The Principles That Guide Us

From sourcing ingredients to greeting guests, these values shape every decision we make at Chuys.

Freshness First

We partner with local farmers and suppliers to bring the freshest, highest-quality ingredients to your plate — no shortcuts, no compromises.

Community at Heart

Chuys was built by and for the community. We give back through local partnerships, food drives, and creating a space where everyone belongs.

Authentic Flavor

Our recipes are rooted in tradition. We respect the origins of every dish and deliver the chuy's experience that guests have come to know and love.

Team Excellence

Our people are our greatest ingredient. We invest in training, development, and a culture where passion and professionalism thrive together.

Chuys kitchen team preparing fresh food with care and precision

Our Journey

A History Built on Flavor

From a single location to a beloved institution — here are the milestones that shaped Chuys into what it is today.

2005

The First Bite

Carlos "Chuy" Mendoza opens the original Chuys at 216 Summit Blvd in Birmingham, AL. With just 12 tables and a family recipe book, the dream begins serving chuys to the neighborhood.

2008

Growing the Table

After three years of packed dining rooms and rave reviews, Chuys expands its kitchen capacity and adds a full catering service — bringing the chuy's experience to events across the city.

2012

Community Recognition

Chuys is named "Best Local Restaurant" by Birmingham Magazine for the first time. The award confirms what regulars already know — this is where authentic food meets genuine hospitality.

2016

Digital Evolution

Chuys launches online ordering and delivery, making it easier than ever for guests to enjoy their favorite dishes at home. The response is overwhelming — orders triple within the first month.

2020

Resilience & Reinvention

When challenges hit the industry hard, Chuys pivots with agility — expanding curbside pickup, contactless delivery, and meal kit options that keep the community fed and connected.

2023

New Chapter Begins

Chuys unveils a refreshed menu featuring seasonal specials and an expanded plant-based lineup — honoring tradition while embracing the future of dining in the United States.

2025 — Today

Still Going Strong

Two decades in, chuys continues to serve thousands of happy guests every week. With a loyal team, fresh ingredients, and the same founding passion, the best is still yet to come.

Meet the Team

The People Behind the Plates

Every great dish starts with a great person. Meet the dedicated team who show up every day to make Chuys extraordinary.

Carlos Mendoza

Founder & CEO

The heart and soul of Chuys. Carlos built this restaurant on love, family recipes, and an unshakeable belief that great food changes lives.

Sofia Rivera

Head Chef

A culinary school graduate with 15 years of kitchen experience, Sofia crafts every dish with precision, creativity, and an obsessive attention to flavor.

Marcus Thompson

Operations Manager

Marcus ensures every shift runs seamlessly — from staff scheduling to supply chain. His dedication keeps Chuys delivering consistently outstanding experiences.

Amara Johnson

Guest Experience Director

Amara's mission is simple: make every guest feel like the most important person in the room. Her warmth and expertise define the Chuys welcome.

20+

Years in Business

50K+

Happy Guests

120+

Menu Items

4.9★

Average Rating