Tumble 22 plans two new Austin hot chicken locations

Tumble 22 will open a new Arboretum restaurant on Nov. 7 and plans a South Lamar location for 2027, expanding the Austin-born hot chicken chain farther across the city. The Arboretum opening includes a free-sandwich giveaway and charity events tied to local nonprofits.

Why it matters: - Tumble 22 is adding two more Austin locations, extending its footprint in one of its core markets. - The expansion signals continued growth for a chain that started as a single Austin food truck in 2016 and now operates nearly a dozen restaurants across Texas. - The Arboretum opening also ties growth to community giving, with proceeds from pre-opening events going to local nonprofits.

What happened: - Tumble 22 will open a new restaurant in the Arboretum area on Nov. 7. - The chain plans a South Lamar Boulevard location for 2027. - The Arboretum restaurant is at 9761 Great Hills Trail, Suite B, Austin, near The Arboretum and across from Trader Joe’s. - The South Lamar restaurant is planned for 2929 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. - The Arboretum opening comes with a giveaway for the first 75 guests.

The details: - The first 75 guests through the doors on Nov. 7 will receive a free O.G. sandwich once a month for a year. - Friends & Family events on Oct. 30 and 31 will donate all net proceeds to Lone Star Circle of Care’s Big Pink Bus and Heroes Resource Center. - Big Pink Bus provides breast cancer screenings across Central Texas. - Heroes Resource Center is a Cedar Park nonprofit serving veterans, service members and their families. - Tumble 22 says the menu includes the O.G. sandwich, jumbo tenders, classic bone-in chicken, heavenly eggs, collard greens, mac ’n cheese, fresh salads, pies, house-made sauces and plant-based options. - The chain also promotes monthly O.G. sandwich specials, including seasonal items like the Thanksgiving Stuffed Dipper and guest-inspired Dream O.G.s. - Tumble 22 says it uses an MSG-free kitchen and all-natural, Texas-raised chicken that is hand-breaded and tumbled 22 times. - The company’s Austin-area roster already includes locations in Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Burnet Road and Lake Austin, plus sites in San Marcos and Houston.

Between the lines: - The openings deepen Tumble 22’s presence in Austin at a time when neighborhood-based dining brands are competing on convenience and local identity. - The charity tie-in and school-fundraiser references reinforce a community-first brand image alongside the expansion. - The free-sandwich promotion is designed to drive early traffic and build repeat visits after launch.

What's next: - The Arboretum restaurant opens Nov. 7. - The South Lamar location is expected to open in 2027. - Tumble 22 says it will continue focusing on Texas hospitality and community giving as it grows.