According to public filings, Piada Italian Street Food plans to bring its fast-casual Italian concept to Williamson County. The chain could open a new location at 516 E. San Gabriel Pkwy., Suite 110, within the Northline development in Leander, with construction’s completion date targeted for early September 2026. What Now Austin reached out to Piada Italian Street Food, but could not get a response at the time of this publication.
Piada Italian Street Food blends ancient Italian tradition with modern fast-casual dining, inspired by the centuries-old piadina flatbread of Rimini, Italy, and brought to the U.S. by founder Chris Doody after discovering street food carts there around 2008–2009. Doody opened the first Columbus, Ohio location in 2010 with a focus on fresh, customizable Italian wraps and bowls. The menu centers on made-to-order piadas, pasta bowls, and chopped salads, all prepared in an open kitchen format.
The filing marks what could be Piada’s first foray into the Leander market, as the brand continues its steady expansion across the Lone Star State. There are currently nearly 70 Piada Italian Street Food locations across seven states, with the brand’s eateries primarily concentrated in Ohio and Texas, where 19 locations were already open as of early 2026. What Now has previously covered the brand’s growth in other Texas markets, including two new locations planned for the Greater San Antonio area.
Leander’s rapid residential and commercial growth in recent years makes it an increasingly attractive target for fast-casual chains looking to plant roots in the Austin metro’s northern suburbs.
