Acclaimed Spanish Restaurant 'Bullfight' Closes Abruptly

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Acclaimed modernist Spanish restaurant Bullfight abruptly closed Tuesday night after having only been open since 2015.

"Bullfight will be closing permanently after tonight’s dinner service," restaurant officials wrote on Facebook without an explanation for the sudden shuttering. "After three great years on Airport Blvd we have an opportunity to transform the space and create a concept more in line with our neighborhood and community."

The eatery at 4807 Airport Blvd. was popular with diners for dishes inspired by the chef's regular visits to Spain for culinary inspiration. Seasonal menu offerings such as branzino crudo with peach and corn attested to the nuanced culinary ethic palpable at the place, and the Iberico ham was a crowd favorite.

According to the message announcing the closure on Facebook, Bullfight's chef will develop the space into a new concept while transferring the restaurant's workers to other properties.

"Restaurateur Shawn Cirkiel of Parkside Projects will bring in a new partner to develop this concept," the message reads. "All Bullfight employees will be moving to other Parkside Projects restaurants. We are deeply thankful and grateful for our customers, and look forward to debuting our new concept in early Fall 2018. Keep your eyes peeled for what’s in store!"

Neither the new concept nor the identity of the partner were disclosed.

Cirkiel also owns and operates restaurants Backspace, 507 San Jacinto Blvd. and Olive & June, 3411 Glenview Ave. Additionally, the chef owns/operates the downtown juice bar Jugo at 603 Brazos St.

Bullfight originally opened in September 2015.

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