Roya Hospitality Group to Open Mi Vecino in South Austin

The Mexican seafood restaurant is expected to open at 5701 West Slaughter Lane by early 2027.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dining Out

Gouache-painted illustration of fire-grilled seafood on a plate, representing a new Mexican seafood restaurant opening in Austin.
Roya Hospitality Group will launch Mi Vecino, a new Mexican seafood restaurant, at 5701 West Slaughter Lane in South Austin by 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you feel new restaurant openings in your area are generally a positive addition?

Roya Hospitality Group will debut a new Mexican seafood concept called Mi Vecino in South Austin by early 2027. The restaurant will occupy the space at 5701 West Slaughter Lane formerly held by Keeper's Coastal Kitchen.

Why it matters

The restaurant is a new venture for the hospitality group as it reshapes its footprint in the Austin culinary scene. The change follows the recent closure of the group's previous concept in the Circle C area neighborhood.

The new restaurant will be located at 5701 West Slaughter Lane in the Circle C neighborhood. Mi Vecino is scheduled to launch following the October 24, 2026, closure of the site's previous tenant.

The players

Roya Hospitality Group

This Austin-based restaurant group also owns and operates Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar, Daisy Lounge, and District Kitchen + Cocktails.

Amir Hajimaleki

He is a chef and co-owner of the Roya Hospitality Group.

Ali Hajimaleki

He serves as a co-owner of the Roya Hospitality Group.

Jose Alajandro Sanchez

He is the executive chef tasked with managing the menu at the upcoming Mi Vecino restaurant.

The details

Mi Vecino will feature a menu centered on raw and fire-grilled Mexican seafood dishes paired with a full bar. Chef Jose Alajandro Sanchez will lead the kitchen operations for the new restaurant.

Timeline

  1. October 24, 2026: Keeper's Coastal Kitchen closed its doors.

  2. Early 2027: Mi Vecino is expected to open to the public.

Culture Shift

This transition aligns with the broader hospitality trend of groups refreshing their portfolios to maintain market relevance. It marks a departure from the group's previous footprint in the Circle C area as they pivot toward a new specialized seafood concept.

Residents in the Circle C area will see a change in their local dining options once the new restaurant opens in early 2027. Customers can expect a menu transition from the previous coastal kitchen style to a new focus on Mexican seafood.

The takeaway

The opening of Mi Vecino highlights how local hospitality groups continuously iterate on their physical locations to capture shifting consumer appetites. Diners should monitor social media updates for the specific opening date to secure early reservations.

Further reading

For more updates on the city's changing culinary landscape, explore the Austin Dining Out section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Eater Austin.

Live Poll

Do you feel new restaurant openings in your area are generally a positive addition?