Austin restaurant group behind Roya trades one coastal concept for another

The hospitality group behind buzzy Persian concept Roya is replacing one of its South Austin restaurants with a new coastal Mexican concept. Keepers Coastal Kitchen will close October 24, and renovations will start for Mi Vecino soon after. The new restaurant is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027, a press release says.

Keepers opened in 2021 at 5701 W. Slaughter Ln. and served a seafood menu that didn't settle in any one geography. Guests could order sushi rolls alongside oysters, tuna tostadas, mussels Catalan, and more.

Mi Vecino ("My Neighbor") keeps the seafood theme going while narrowing the scope to Mexican cuisine. The name nods to the neighborhood restaurant feel the group is aiming for. They'll start to redecorate the family-friendly space with bright colors and casual Mexican decor.

“We’ve always wanted this space to be a place where the neighborhood comes together,” said Chef Amir Hajimaleki, who leads of Roya Hospitality Group with his brother Ali Hajimaleki. “Mi Vecino gives us an opportunity to create something fresh and exciting while still staying true to our original vision.”