New Mexican Seafood Restaurant to Open in South Austin
Mi Vecino will replace the former Keeper's Coastal Kitchen on West Slaughter Lane by early 2027.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Dining Out
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South Austin diners will soon see a new Mexican seafood concept at 5701 West Slaughter Lane, as Roya Hospitality Group prepares to open Mi Vecino in the space formerly occupied by Keeper's Coastal Kitchen.
Why it matters
This transition brings a new culinary option to the Circle C area, following the closure of the previous tenant on October 24, 2026.
The new restaurant will occupy the 5701 West Slaughter Lane address, replacing the site vacated by Keeper's Coastal Kitchen following its October 24, 2026 closure. The specific timeline for the early 2027 debut has not been finalized.
The players
Roya Hospitality Group
An Austin-based restaurant group that owns Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar, Daisy Lounge, and District Kitchen + Cocktails.
Amir Hajimaleki
A co-owner of the Roya Hospitality Group.
Ali Hajimaleki
A co-owner of the Roya Hospitality Group.
Jose Alajandro Sanchez
The chef tasked with executing the menu for the new restaurant.
The details
Mi Vecino will feature a menu centered on raw and fire-grilled Mexican seafood alongside a full bar. Owners Amir Hajimaleki and Ali Hajimaleki have tapped Chef Jose Alajandro Sanchez to lead the kitchen operations at the new site. The space previously housed Keeper's Coastal Kitchen, which concluded its run in October 2026.
Timeline
Keeper's Coastal Kitchen closed its doors on October 24, 2026.
Mi Vecino is expected to open its doors by early 2027.
The Texas Context
This transition reflects the high rate of restaurant turnover within Austin's expanding suburban corridors. It continues a pattern seen in growing areas like Circle C, where hospitality groups frequently repurpose existing infrastructure to launch new concepts.
Residents in the Circle C neighborhood will see a new seafood option arrive at the West Slaughter Lane location in early 2027. This replaces the dining footprint left behind after the closure of Keeper's Coastal Kitchen last fall.
The takeaway
Diners can watch for further announcements regarding the official opening date as the team prepares the space for its 2027 debut. Residents interested in the group's other projects can monitor the progress of their existing locations like Oasthouse Kitchen + Bar.
Further reading
For more on the latest restaurant arrivals, visit Dining Out.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Eater Austin.
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