Yaya’s Restaurant is named after chef Dino Lopez’s wife, Yvonne Escobedo’s, nickname. “Yaya” is a loving family nickname centered around cooking with love, and it embodies how they want guests to feel: like they are in a place they can call home.
The restaurant is led by Miguel Salas and Dino López and will be located at 306 E Liberty Avenue in Round Rock. According to public filings, construction on the restaurant building is expected to begin in June, with completion anticipated by December 2026. The owners aim to open the restaurant in January 2027. According to the owners, the building will have a capacity of 219 seats for the dining experience, 78 outdoor and 141 indoor.
Years ago, Salas fell in love with the area; he saw a growing area that brings together the tech industry and blue-collar workers, family homes, and wedding venues. “Main Street has a vibrant nightlife scene with a diverse array of establishments, ranging from various eateries to energetic sports bars. The area is a destination for social gatherings, offering unique venues like trendy hangouts and spirited piano bars,” Salas told WhatNow Austin.
The restaurant will also offer catering services, ranging from family events to downtown nightlife crowds, as well as an event room. In addition, Yaya’s will feature a romantic balcony for a more private dining experience. Also, will offer free parking for nearby guests. According to the owners, another major advantage of the restaurant is its location, just two blocks from Water Tower Park in downtown Round Rock, which is expected to bring strong visibility and foot traffic.
Yaya’s will offer a varied menu rooted in Southern cuisine, featuring hearty waffles, sandwiches, pancakes, fried chicken, as well as dishes like Beer-Braised Osso Bucco, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Stack, and Stuffed Squash Blossoms, while also incorporating Tex-Mex influences throughout the menu.
