Chuy’s celebrates 26th annual Green Chile Festival August 18 to September 7

Chuy’s love for the green chile dates back to 1989 when their founders traveled to the “Chile Capital of the World”, Hatch, New Mexico, in search of the perfect pepper to complement their authentic Tex-Mex. The unique climate and rich soil of the Hatch Valley, not found anywhere else in the world, are key to the green chile’s legendary flavor.

Chuy’s commitment to offering the most flavorful pepper on the planet continues today. Each spring Chuy’s contracts with farmers in the Hatch Valley to grow over 1.5 million pounds of the freshest green chiles just for their restaurants. When they reach their height of flavor in August, Chuy’s sends a team to New Mexico to bring back the finest, fresh-picked chiles for the festival.

“Green Chile Festival is a great annual tradition at Chuy’s. We monitor the crops year round, watching them grow to the right size, color and texture. And now it’s finally time for harvest and to share our one-of-a-kind green chiles,” said Frank Biller, Vice President of Operations for Chuy’s. “I think our customers will be impressed with the special menu we put together for them this year – it’s out of this world.”

Chuy’s will be introducing a menu of eight green chile-inspired dishes during the three-week period, including Holy Quesadillas!, Green Chile BBQ Chicken Tacos and Frito Pie Enchiladas. To cool down the palate, Chuy’s will feature a frozen Prickly Pear Margarita and Blackberry Rocks Margarita made with Avión Silver tequila. The popular New Mexican Martini, made with green chile infused tequila, is always a festival favorite.

Guests are encouraged to join in on the fun by visiting their local Chuy’s and picking up a free green chile seed packet to grow their own peppers at home and by taking a picture of their favorite Green Chile Festival food item and posting it to Instagram and tagging @chuysrestaurant with #PEPPERHEAVEN for a chance to win free Chuy’s for a year.

Founded in 1982 in Austin, Texas, Chuy's serves authentic Tex-Mex food in an eclectic atmosphere full of color and personality. The menu offers family recipes from south Texas, New Mexico and Mexican border towns, all made to order from the freshest ingredients. Chuy's has the reputation as the most fun and friendly spot to eat real Tex-Mex at a great price. For more information visit www.chuys.com and Facebook.com/ChuysKnoxville.