Japanese Barbecue Chain Restaurant Chubby Cattle Is Opening in Austin | Eater Austin

"An American-based Japanese barbecue chain is opening its first Austin location inside Barton Creek Square Mall in 2025. The concept is an all-you-can-eat, grill-it-yourself experience with three tiered packages that emphasize wagyu—featuring cuts like rib-eye and short rib as well as decadent options such as wagyu paired with uni and caviar—plus other grill items (scallops, pork belly, lamb chops) and non-grilled dishes including sushi, hand rolls, dumplings, soups, seafood, vegetables, and fruits. Pricing differs for members and non-members; the membership program includes NFTs and perks like free birthday meals, discounts, guest passes, and reservation benefits, while seated service is subject to time limits. The chain is known for conveyor-belt service, robot servers, and visual projections, sources wagyu from partnered ranches in California and Oregon, and began as a Las Vegas hot-pot spot in 2014 founded by Harby Yang and David Zhao. The Austin outpost will be on the mall's second floor near the Nordstrom wing, offering indoor dine-in service from daytime into evening hours." - Nadia Chaudhury