Fast-Casual Mediterranean Is Still Going Strong in Austin With New Restaurants

The fast-casual Mediterranean trend with a hummus bent is going strong in Austin, with a new chain looking to open in the city. The Los Angeles-based Hummus Republic is planning on opening not one, but three Austin restaurants. Addresses were not specified for the new restaurants, nor opening dates. Eater has reached out for more information; watch this space for updates.

Hummus Republic focuses on customizable bowls, salads, or pitas filled with grains, greens, and mix-ins like cheese, olives, and pickled vegetables. Of course, there’s a strong emphasis on hummus, with options from traditional to harissa to roasted eggplant. For proteins, there are meats, vegetables, falafel, and even vegan beef.

Aside from the bowls/salads/pitas, Hummus Republic is also known for its vegan burger, called the Earth Burger, sweet potato fries, and tahini shakes, which come in three flavors: chocolate, beets, or spinach-mint.

The chain, which was founded in 2013, has been expanding across the country with new locations set for Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Las Vegas, Arizona, Oregon, and Ohio. The Philadelphia one already opened.

Similarly, Washington, D.C.-based chain Cava opened three restaurants in Austin within three months, with a fourth opening next spring in the Domain. Austin-based chain Noon, née Verts, filed for bankruptcy and had to close seven locations across the country, including two Austin-area ones.

• Hummus Republic [Official]