Austin staple, Nuevo Leon closes

AUSTIN (KXAN) - An Austin restaurant landmark closed its doors Saturday evening for the last time.

Nuevo Leon, an Austin institution since 1982, served its final meals Saturday night.

It moved from its original location on 7th Street over to East 6th in 2000.

Generations of families have dined there, it's been the scene for countless political parties, and they've catered for birthdays, receptions and corporate events, but the neighborhood is changing, regulars have moved out and new competition has moved in.

Owner Rachel Davila says its time to hang it up and move on.

"Don't do it unless you love it because if you don't love it you're not going to last long you have to love what you're doing and I'm very grateful that I got to do this for thirty years and I loved every minute of it," said Davila.

Before opening her restaurant, Rachel helped develop bi-lingual curriculum for Texas school kids.

What will she do now?

The 77-year-old grandma intends to garden, play with her grandkids and maybe write a book about operating a restaurant.