Tex-Mex News
7 Mexican chains are taking over the U.S., starting in Texas
The U.S. is set to be on the receiving end of an explosion of Mexican chain restaurants — and Texas, God bless, is doing its part.
An eye-opening (and clever) story on Mashed called "Mexican Chain Restaurants You're About To See Everywhere" finds 12 chains all on the verge of expansion.
Some are fast-food, some fast-casual; some serve Mexican, some Tex-Mex — but all are poised to make their nationwide entrance.
Out of the 12 concepts on the list, an impressive seven are based in Texas. And out of the seven from Texas, five are taco concepts. Our tacos are spreading across America.
One surprising fact the story reveals is how many Texas-based chains have been recently acquired by big hospitality groups, including Chuy's, Fuzzy's, and Taco Cabana, which will help further their expansion.
Here are seven Texas chains getting ready to blow up:
Chuy's
The Tex-Mex chain founded in Austin in 1982 is known for its authentic, Tex-Mex food served in a fun, eclectic, irreverent atmosphere, with each location boasting its own unique, non-chain feel. They currently have 101 locations in 15 states including 6 total in San Antonio, New Braunfels, and San Marcos. Expect more now that Darden Restaurants, Inc. (Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakouse) acquired the chain in July 2024.
Fajita Pete's
This Houston chain was founded in 2008, specializing in fajitas with choice of chicken, pork, beef, and shrimp. Tortillas are handmade, and the sides are from scratch. Thanks to a robust franchising program, they currently have 30 locations across Texas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, including one that just opened in Austin on September 1.
Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Fuzzy's was first founded in Fort Worth in 2001, specializing in Baja-style Mexican cuisine, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with burritos, tacos, and breakfast items, plus a full bar. They currently have more than 150 locations in 17 states with more on the way, since they were acquired in 2022 by Dine Brands (Applebee's Neighborhood Grill, IHOP).
Taco Cabana
This fast-casual favorite founded in San Antonio in the 1970s is noted for its good-and-cheap food including tacos, burritos, a creative menu of frozen margaritas, and accommodating late-night hours. In 2021, they were acquired by Yadav Enterprises (Jack in the Box, Denny's, TGI Fridays), and Mashed says that owner Anil Yadav plans to streamline the restaurants with upgraded drive-thrus and an easier ordering process for take-out.
Taco Palenque
A fast-casual Mexican restaurant founded in Laredo in 1987, it serves authentic Mexican food, including soft and crispy tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and chicken mole. While they are currently only found in Texas, the company was founded by Juan Francisco Ochoa Sr., who also founded El Pollo Loco in 1975, and he plans to expand the concept across the U.S.
Torchy's
The revered Austin taco chain started out as a taco truck in 2006 and now has 125 locations across 14 states with plans to keep expanding. Their tacos and queso are massively popular, and they're never afraid to roll out new things: In fact, they just made a big menu change that included removing some menu staples entirely, replacing them with new items such as the Damn Good Tots, topped with queso and bacon.
Velvet Taco
What started out as one foodie-centric taco shop in Dallas in 2011 has grown to nearly 50 restaurants in seven states. They're known for their unique cuisine mashups such as the Chicken & Waffle taco or the Tikka Chicken taco with basmati rice. Future expansion plans include opening locations in airports.
Outside Texas
The five non-Texas chains also in expansion mode across the U.S. include:
- Bubbakoo's Burritos, a Mexican joint on the Jersey Shore
- BurritoBar, a Canadian chain with plans to expand into the U.S. market
- Condado Tacos, founded in Columbus near The Ohio State University campus
- District Taco, a small chain in the mid-Atlantic region
- Surchero's, founded in Douglas, Georgia in 2007
It remains to be seen whether any will dare to enter Texas.
