Popular Benji's Cantina Tex-Mex Eatery Serving Last Meal On Sunday

AUSTIN, TX -- Sunday is the last day for Benji's Cantina after three years of operation downtown.

Numerous media outlets have reported on the scheduled Aug. 7 closure of the popular Tex-Mex food eatery, the third downtown restaurant to close in just two weeks. Restaurant officials announced the closure in a prepared statement.

"Benji's would like to thank their many devoted customers and the Austin community for their loyal support throughout the years," restaurant officials said in the statement. "The one-of-a-kind dining experience could not have been possible without their incredible staff and kitchen, to whom they thank for their service."

But take heart, fajita lovers: The restaurant's executive chef, Blake Keely, said the signature dish will continue to exist -- albeit in another venue.

"Benji’s tender and delicious fajitas, displayed in their signature cast-iron anafres, will carry on as chef Keely and team plan to establish a new catering business (Benji’s Catering) that will feature these along with other customer favorites for off-premise events," restaurant officials wrote in their press release.

Located at 716 W. Sixth St., Benji's has operated in the central business district for the past three years.

For the past three years, Benji's Cantina offered a "...fresh, innovative approach to Tex-Mex," according to the restaurant's website. "An ingenious mix of seafood and Mexican influences dominates the menu.

The restaurant's downstairs bar and lounge was a popular feature of the place, facing the bustling Austin street scene.