Luby’s

Luby’s is a Texas-based restaurant operator with a long history in cafeteria-style dining. The company was founded in 1947 by Bob Luby in San Antonio, quickly establishing itself as a regional favorite for homestyle Southern meals served in a family-friendly setting. Over the decades, Luby’s grew to become one of the largest cafeteria chains in the country, peaking at more than 200 locations in the mid-1990s and expanding its portfolio to include brands such as Fuddruckers and Cheeseburger in Paradise.

In recent years, Luby’s has undergone significant changes. The company faced industry headwinds and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a period of contraction and asset liquidation that began in 2020. A notable milestone in this transition was the formal liquidation completed in 2021, when Luby’s sold off most of its assets, including the Fuddruckers brand. As of November 2025, Luby’s operates just 17 locations, all in Texas, focusing on legacy stores that maintain its longstanding presence in the region.

Today, Luby’s is not pursuing new development, franchising, or market expansion. The company has shifted from growth to selective operation, concentrating on a small footprint within Texas. Its headquarters remain in Houston, and all real estate matters are handled directly through the corporate office. For landlords, brokers, and developers, Luby’s represents a legacy operator with deep regional roots and a history of large-format, cafeteria-style dining. The brand’s current posture is stable but limited, with no announced plans for new store openings or market entries as of late 2025.