AUSTIN (KXAN) — An Austin staple, ‘De Nada Cantina’ is set to open its second location on Feb. 22, taking over the former El Mercado space on South First Street after the Tex-Mex eatery closed following a 40-year run.
The expansion marks both a milestone for the growing taqueria and a broader conversation about the importance of keeping Austin’s restaurant landscape rooted in local ownership.
De Nada’s second location will open on Feb. 22, also known as National Margarita Day, according to a social media announcement from the De Nada team.
Stephen Shallcross, president of 2 Dine 4 Hospitality, said the keys to the historic El Mercado building came through community-minded generosity. “I’m eternally indebted to him for both his support and his faith in our ability to curate this location for another 40 years,” Shallcross said of former owner Tony Villegas. “He made the stars align.”
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