Austin Grill to Close on King Street in Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Say "adios" to Austin Grill, a longtime go-to spot for Tex-Mex and Mason Jar margaritas on King Street in Alexandria.

The restaurant will close its doors for good May 30, according to employees.

Thompson Hospitality, headquartered in Reston, gave Austin Grill a new look two years ago; the Alexandria location is one of four Austin Grills in the area -- the restaurants have been open for 20 years in the region. Employees will have the opportunity to re-apply for jobs when the restaurant re-opens with a new concept in late July, they said Friday.

The restaurant will undergo a transformation and reopen as Southern-inspired HenQuarter, according to a recent report by Bethesda Magazine (there's an Austin Grill in Silver Spring, Md. as well, which closed in late March).

The Alexandria location will be the first to reopen with the new concept.

“We’re excited to launch a new concept from Thompson’s Table, brought to life by chef Fred Raynaud, named Hen Quarter—Southern Fare and Free Range Cocktails,” a spokeswoman for the restaurant's parent company told the magazine. “The concept features an elevated classic Southern menu, with some of the stars of the show being our craveable fried chicken, 48-hour braised short rib and exceptional bourbon bar. We look forward to meeting and serving our guests a big dose of Southern hospitality later this year.”

A look at Chef Fred Raynaud's Facebook page shows possible dishes to come, including an enticing-looking short rib dish.