Sala & Betty to close as chef Teresa Wilson steps away from kitchen after 40 years

Few chefs have as rich and long a history in the Austin dining scene as Teresa Wilson. But, after 40 years, the chef who helped bring two definitional restaurants and another smart take on comfort to the city is stepping away from the kitchen.

Wilson is closing Airport Boulevard restaurant Sala & Betty at the end of the July, the restaurant announced this week on Instagram. The eatery that Wilson opened in 2015 had familial vibes and ties, from the name, which nodded to Wilson and her sister; to the staff, which included members of her family; to a family-friendly menu of responsibly sourced meat and side dishes perfect for feeding the whole family.

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The all-day restaurant housed in the former Stallion Grill spot was novel at the time in its use of a drive-thru to offer quality meals far removed from the idea of "fast food."

"Chef Teresa Wilson is ready to slow down and spend time with family," the Instagram post reads. "She has dedicated her life to her community, making an impact on so many people and the Austin restaurant scene. Now it’s time for her to focus on what matters most, herself and her family."

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Longtime Austinites remember Wilson as the co-founder of Aquarelle. It was one of the best French restaurants in Austin's history, located in a charming house. Wilson opened Aquarelle with partners in 2000, after working 17 years at Basil's, a foundational restaurant in Austin's Italian dining scene. It was located in what is now home to 40 North.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Austin restaurant Sala & Betty closes as chef Teresa Wilson steps away