The backstory
Born into a family with generational entrepreneurs, Koury has always had the drive to be a business owner in his bones. Throughout the bloodline, Koury’s family opened a vast range of businesses including a candy shop, a delicatessen, a diner, a steakhouse and more.
Koury worked in the restaurant business throughout his time at University of Texas at Austin studying Latin American Studies, but took a short break between graduating and starting medical school in Kansas City.
However, he soon grew to miss the industry and decided to move back to Austin and put all his energy into opening what the community now knows as Manuel’s.
Diners can find cuisine from various Mexican regions throughout the restaurant’s menu, from shareable appetizers and salads to entrees and desserts.
Community members with all taste preferences can enjoy a meal at the local restaurant with options for vegetarians, meat-lovers and seafood lovers.
McNevin said the business prioritizes locally sourcing all products to create fresh, nourishing dishes for all customers. One key thing to note is the restaurant’s dedication to not using GMO-based ingredients.
“Many of our customers know our priorities, some don't, but even for the ones that don't know the care we take in our sourcing and our preparation, they know how they feel after they eat here,” McNevin said. “Once people eat here once, they usually want to come back.”
The team’s attention to detail flows from its kitchen throughout its decoration, with artwork created by McNevin’s brother in law, Aleah Koury. Each dining table is decorated with freshly-cut flowers replaced weekly.
Adding to the eatery’s ambiance are teardrop lights crafted with sustainable materials, which are suspended throughout the main dining space and waiting area. Another sustainable detail to note is the metallic hand-blown, glass tile 40-foot long installation crafted by California’s Oceanside Tile, which can be seen in the dining and bar areas.
Paying homage to the area’s greenery, the restaurant’s patio boasts a nearly 250 year old Texas Oak tree accompanied by a mini waterfall feature and a pergola.
McNevin said the variety of customers that dine at the restaurant represent the generations that have grown with the restaurant throughout its over 40 years of business.
“The thing I like the most about Manuel’s is when I look around the dining room, I can see a group of sorority girls, a group that's their parents’ age, a newer younger couple with younger kids and some seniors in there,” McNevin said. “We have a broad appearance, and I love the cultural mix.”
The restaurant’s impact on the community was solidified after the coronavirus pandemic, McNevin said, as customers showed their appreciation for the service industry once they returned to in-person dining.
“We received such an outpouring of gratitude from our customers like I've never seen before,” McNevin said. “People would come in and drive all the way from Lakeway and tell us, ‘You know what? You're the first restaurant we've been to in a year and a half. We haven't been out with our family to eat anywhere and we're so excited to be here.’”
In August 2024, Community Impact reported about a redevelopment proposal for Great Hills Market, stating Manuel’s lease in the space was expected to end in December 2025.
McNevin said the landowner’s redevelopment project has been put on hold indefinitely and the restaurant’s lease has been extended past its previous December 2025 date.
While the team is keeping the exact lease extension timeline to themselves, McNevin said community members can rest assured that the restaurant is currently here to stay.
- 10201 Jollyville Road, Austin
- www.manuels.com
