Tumble 22 Plans New Austin Restaurant on South Lamar
The restaurant chain will repurpose a former bookstore, signaling a continued trend of converting retail space for food service.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Tumble 22 is expanding its footprint in Austin with a new location at 3001 S. Lamar Blvd. The restaurant chain, which currently operates nine locations across Texas, has filed a permit to renovate the former Half Price Books site.
Why it matters
Operators looking at commercial real estate in high-traffic corridors should note the conversion of retail footprints into food and beverage hubs. The move highlights the ongoing repurposing of legacy retail space by established restaurant brands to scale operations.
The project represents a $500,000 investment to transform 3,500 square feet of former retail space into the brand's 11th Texas location. This site adds to the current network of nine existing Texas restaurants.
The players
Tumble 22
A Texas-based restaurant chain specializing in hot chicken that has grown from a 2016 food trailer to a statewide operation.
The details
Tumble 22 filed a renovation permit with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to prepare the vacant South Lamar Boulevard property. The project involves a significant structural overhaul to convert the former bookstore into a functional restaurant. Construction is slated to begin in October with an estimated completion date in spring 2027.
Timeline
October 6, 2026: Permit filed with the state.
October 15, 2026: Expected renovation start date.
April 2027: Target completion for construction.
Market Landscape
This project reflects the broader retail-to-restaurant conversion trend currently reshaping urban commercial corridors. It marks a departure from new construction in favor of retrofitting existing, high-visibility retail footprints.
Operators competing for prime real estate should monitor how brands leverage vacant, large-format retail space to bypass the costs of new builds. Reviewing the renovation costs and timelines of peer expansions can help refine your own lease and capital improvement strategies.
The takeaway
Tumble 22's expansion highlights the viability of converting specialized retail buildings into restaurant venues to scale operations. Keep the target completion of April 2027 in mind if monitoring competitive entry into the South Lamar market.
Further reading
For more on industry shifts in local restaurant real estate, visit our Openings & Closings section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chron.
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