AOL: Popular taqueria to take over 40-year Tex-Mex eatery in South Austin

https://www.aol.com/news/popular-taqueria-over-40-tex-224759044.html

“One longtime Mexican restaurant is closing in Austin and a trusted younger taco joint is taking over. El Mercado Restaurant & Cantina South, known for live music and classic Tex-Mex dishes with some barbecue twists, is closing after 40 years this month, and De Nada Cantina, known for both traditional and slightly dressed-up tacos, will open a second location that keeps some of El Mercado's dishes

An exclusive story in the Austin American-Statesman shares that El Mercado will close after service December 17. A representative for 2 Dine 4 Hospitality Group (which includes De Nada, Sawyer and Co., Lil' Easy Cajun Food & Bar, and more) confirmed to CultureMap that the new De Nada Cantina will open in mid-January.

The representative calls it a "rebrand" rather than a hard break between concepts. Although some menu items will remain, decor at 1302 S. 1st St. will be upgraded and necessary maintenance will be done while the restaurant is closed to keep it running smoothly. Additions to the space will include new tables and chairs, Mexican decor, and "a De Nada-sized number of plants."“