This Former Chili’s in Lafayette Is Finally Getting a New Life

When the Acadiana Advocate’s Adam Daigle dropped his report on the old Chili’s building on Ambassador, many in Lafayette barely clicked before assuming the worst in the comments: another Mexican restaurant.

Given Lafayette’s endless cycle of Legends, car washes, Mexican restaurants (and now coffee shops), it’s easy to see why people jumped to conclusions. But this time, those assumptions were wrong.

According to permits filed with Lafayette Consolidated Government, the vacant building at 3905 Ambassador Caffery Parkway, which once housed Chili’s before it moved just down the road, is being transformed into a coffee shop.

A new chapter for the long-empty space

The building has sat empty since Chili’s relocated six years ago. It was purchased in 2020 for $1.4 million by an LLC connected to Ruben Chavez, the owner of the El Paso Mexican Grill chain. And yes, it’s the same Chavez who operates three El Paso locations in Lafayette, one of which sits directly across the street from the old Chili’s.

But despite his culinary background, Chavez isn’t bringing another taco menu to the area. According to city records, a $22,000 building permit was recently filed to construct a roofed patio space, signaling real movement on a different concept.

Still playing catch-up

It’s worth noting the building hasn't been without issues. In May, Lafayette Consolidated Government placed a lien for over $5,000 on the property, citing unresolved repairs. Those matters now appear to be addressed as the conversion to a coffee shop moves forward.

While no name or opening date has been announced yet, what’s certain is that this Lafayette landmark is finally headed toward revival, and for once, not in the form of chips and queso.