Aba will open its second location in Music Lane in Austin, Texas, in spring 2020. This is Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ first restaurant to open in Texas. The concept was created by Executive Partner and Divisional President Marc Jacobs and Chef Partner CJ Jacobson.

“Lettuce Entertain You is excited to open its first restaurant in Austin,” says R.J. Melman, president of Lettuce Entertain You. “Austin is such a great food city, and we can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Aba’s menu pays homage to Chef CJ’s roots in California, incorporating a lighter style of cooking with influences from the Mediterranean including Israel, Lebanon, Turkey and Greece. Signature dishes include Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Muhammara, Jerusalem Bagel with Labneh, Char-Grilled Lamb Chops, and Skirt Steak Shawarma. The bar program is crafted by Lead Mixologist Liz Pearce and showcases rare Mediterranean-inspired wines and spirits.

“Austin has always been a favorite travel destination of mine,” says Lettuce Entertain You Executive Partner and Divisional President, Marc Jacobs. “We’re thrilled to bring Aba’s style of cooking to the city’s growing food and drink community.”

Since opening in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District in June 2018, Aba has been named one of “Chicago’s Best New Restaurants” by the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Magazine, one of the “Most Beautiful Chicago Restaurants” by Eater Chicago, and was a nominee for Boutique Design’s “Gold Key Award for Excellence in Hospitality Design.”