When news broke in 2017 that Manuel’s Great Hills restaurant was closing down in order to allow a Chicago-based developer to build a mixed-use development, many people called it the end of an era. But, that end may not be coming as soon as expected because Manuel’s has opted to extend its lease through 2025.
Manuel’s current lease at 10201 Jollyville Road expires at the end of 2020, but includes multiple renewal options, and the owners have chosen to extend it into the next decade.
In October 2017, Heitman Properties announced a massive redevelopment plan for the property and the shopping centers at the northwest corner of Highway 183 and Great Hills Trail, and many Austinites feared that Manuel’s could be on the verge of demolition. When the developer’s plan did not include keeping the iconic restaurant or the adjacent movie theatre, loud objections were raised at a series of neighborhood meetings and at Austin City Hall.
Complicating matters even further for the developer, the lease also specifies generous parking easements spanning the entire 17-acre parcel, including Regal Cinemas Arbor 8 movie theatre, Pier 1 Imports, Petco, and other retailers.
“To paraphrase Mark Twain, the rumors of our demise have been exaggerated,” said Greg Koury, Founder and Co-Owner of Manuel’s, “We look forward to providing great experiences for our loyal patrons by serving high quality, Regional Mexican food at Manuel’s Great Hills for years to come.”
“Family-owned restaurants like ours usually don’t survive the big rent increases that come with fast growth and redevelopment. They simply disappear or get replaced by uninspiring corporate chains that you can find everywhere. Each time this happens, the variety and flavors available to the community are diminished. Thankfully, our ground lease extension will enable us to stay right where we belong,” said Jennifer McNevin, Co-Owner of Manuel’s.
