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Featured Replies

Got lunch there today as well before headed out of town for a couple of weeks. Steak and enchilada combo for the win. Best deal in town at $14. Was $11.50 or $12.50 until about a year ago.

Oh look, an Austin Business Journal story that nobody can read.  That's unusual.

3 minutes ago, jimmyjazz said:

Oh look, an Austin Business Journal story that nobody can read.  That's unusual.

Hated that when I followed them on FB and before knowing about the Internet Archive trick. Here's a link that will work: https://archive.is/JyBzn

 

1 minute ago, bolverk said:

Hated that when I followed them on FB and before knowing about the Internet Archive trick. Here's a link that will work: https://archive.is/JyBzn

 

I tried textise, it didn't work.  Thanks.

  • Author

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/south-texas-el-paso/news/2025/06/17/owner-of-famed-texas-chili-restaurant-dies

 

Quote

The owner of a popular chili restaurant in Central Texas has died. Scott Zublin, who owned the famed hole-in-the-wall Texas Chili Parlor, died on June 7. He was 67.

Zublin, who was often referred to as “Zoob”, purchased the Texas Chili Parlor in 2002 after the state comptroller seized it because of unpaid taxes and debt. The Texas Chili Parlor has been featured in countless publications for its captivating chili recipes. It was also featured in the Quentin Tarantino movie “Death Proof” and is mentioned in the Guy Clark song “Dublin Blues.”

Located near the Texas Capitol on Lavaca Street, the 49-year-old restaurant’s future remains uncertain.

Family of Zublin told the Austin Business Journal his passing was unexpected. He is survived by his siblings, their spouses and his nieces and nephews. 

Zublin's cause of death is unknown at this time.

 

https://www.kvue.com/article/money/business/texas-chili-parlor-owner-death-scott-zublin

 

Quote

The man credited with saving a long-time Austin business more than 20 years ago has died.

Scott Zublin, owner of Texas Chili Parlor, died on June 7 at age 67, according to the Austin Business Journal (ABJ). "Zoob," as he was known, purchased the now-49-year-old restaurant back in 2002 after the state comptroller seized it over unpaid taxes and debt, according to the ABJ.

 

“[Texas Chili Parlor is] still here because of him. No doubt about it," said William Holmes, the restaurant's bartender.

Though Zublin didn't open Texas Chili Parlor, the ABJ said he was a regular patron since the late 1970s and he reinforced the restaurant's "original vibe" when he took over more than two decades ago.

Texas Chili Parlor – located on Lavaca Street, just a short distance from the Texas State Capitol – has been featured in a variety of media, including Southern Living magazine and the Food Network show "The Grill Dads." It was also featured in Quentin Tarantino's 2007 movie "Death Proof" and is referenced in the Guy Clark song "Dublin Blues."

Those close to Zublin told the ABJ his death was unexpected. He is survived by his siblings and their spouses and his nieces and nephews. 

What's next for Texas Chili Parlor?

With Zublin's passing, the future of the restaurant is unclear. The ABJ noted that some people on social media have shared concerns that Texas Chili Parlor will be redeveloped into an upscale business, in opposition to its reputation of maintaining affordable prices.

An employee who wished to remain anonymous told the ABJ that it has not yet been determined who will run the restaurant moving forward. However, Holmes said the intent is for Texas Chili Parlor to carry on.

Pepe Lozano, a man "who describes himself as Zoob's brother, sounding board, punching bag and drinking buddy," echoed that sentiment, saying no one knows yet what's next for Texas Chili Parlor, but the intent is to keep Zublin's dream alive.

 

I’m hearing that his casket may be out front right now if you want to pay respects.

 

also that there’s a few more years on the lease but it’s not clear yet (hasn’t been shared) what his plan was for ownership 

  • 2 weeks later...
On 6/10/2025 at 3:12 PM, stc said:

is there a story about why they don't have lone star? have always found that strange. 

 

On 6/10/2025 at 4:16 PM, Blotto said:

The Lone Star distributor pissed them off way back in the beginnings of the joint, so I guess they told them to fuck off.

The truth is more simple- one of the original owners, Phil Vitek (RIP), was the Austin and Dallas Shiner distributor. 

19 hours ago, Bozo_Casanova said:

 

The truth is more simple- one of the original owners, Phil Vitek (RIP), was the Austin and Dallas Shiner distributor. 

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