Freebirds World Burrito shut its League City restaurant in June, leaving the FM 646 corridor without the Tex-Mex chain's build-your-own burritos and bowls.
The closure at 1615 W. FM 646, Suite A, was first reported by Community Impact on Aug. 5. Neither Freebirds nor its parent company, Dallas-based Sun Holdings, has publicly explained why the location closed.
No reason was given.
Sun Holdings acquired Freebirds in August 2024, when the all-Texas chain had 64 locations. By a July 24 press release, the company described itself as having "more than 60 locations," suggesting a net loss of several stores over the past year. Thomas Lane, Freebirds' vice president of operations, was quoted in that same release discussing a back-to-school supply drive but made no mention of closures.
Sun Holdings operates more than 1,800 restaurant and retail locations nationwide, including Applebee's, Arby's, Burger King, IHOP and Popeyes franchises, along with owned brands Taco Bueno, Uncle Julio's and Bar Louie, according to Restaurant Dive.
The nearest remaining Freebirds is in Webster at 528 West Bay Area Blvd.
New tenant already in the space
Slate Table + Bar, a locally owned restaurant, appears to have moved into the same strip center at 1615 FM 646. The restaurant posted a $15 lunch special on Instagram on Aug. 6, listing that address and emphasizing its local ownership.
@slatetablebar: "Lunch plans? We've got you covered! Come into Slate today and enjoy our $15 lunch special. Not only is it delicious, but you'll also be supporting a locally owned and operated restaurant right here in League City."
It is unclear whether Slate occupies the exact former Freebirds suite. Little Daddy's Gumbo Bar, a Cajun seafood spot, also operates at the same 1615 FM 646 address in a separate space within the strip center.
FM 646 corridor stays active
The closure comes as the broader FM 646 area continues to attract investment. The $78 million Lilac Field mixed-use business park, developed by Houston-based Alexander Grene Development, had its main roadways under construction as of July 6, according to Community Impact.
Freebirds was founded in California in 1987 and moved its headquarters to Texas in 2015. All of its remaining locations are in the state.
No permit filings or lease announcements for the former Freebirds suite have surfaced publicly. The Webster location is about six miles north on Bay Area Boulevard.
