A restaurant duo behind several well-known Austin dining destinations is expanding north with a new concept in Round Rock, adding another chef-driven destination to the city’s growing dining scene.
James Sun and Cole Fitzgerald, owner and chef partner, respectively, of Fig Italian Kitchen and Bar in Austin, plan to open the doors of their Round Rock eatery, Grey Orchard, this week along I-35. The pair renovated the former Denny’s location adjacent to Jack Allen’s Kitchen and Whiskey Cake Kitchen and Bar.
“This is a great location and a great neighborhood,” said Sun. “It’s a food destination.”
Sun and Fitzgerald opened Fig along South Lamar in Austin in 2024. Sun previously opened Austin restaurants Cedro Scratch Italian and Bar and Mia Italian Tapas and Bar in 2014 and 2016, respectively. He studied hotel management in Switzerland before working at restaurants in New York, Boston and San Francisco such as Eleven Madison Park and Jean Georges.
Fitzgerald began cooking at age 13 in a family friend’s restaurant, later gaining education on cuts of meat and fermentation through experience with local farmers and sustainable practices. He worked full-time while pursuing a degree in business and earned a Michelin Guide mention by age 24.
Growing up in a suburb just outside of Atlanta, Fitzgerald sees similarities between the culinary dynamic there at that time and that presently shared by Austin and Round Rock.
“Culinary was thriving there and you were getting chefs from inner cities coming out,” he said. “So it’s really a great opportunity to come and present the people that want good food that don’t have to drive 45 minutes. We can make it closer and in that neighborhood price range.”
Grey Orchard is located at 2700 N. Interstate 35. It’s billed as a modern American restaurant featuring a menu inspired by seasonality and subtle Asian influences.
The menu is subject to change but features items such as seared salmon, steak frites, pork butt ribeye and basil fried rice.
Grey Orchard opens with a soft opening July 9-19. Reservations are available at greyorchard.com, and updates can be found on Instagram at @greyorchard.
