A Tacover! Seven Mexican Chains Are Taking Over the U.S., Starting in Texas

An explosion of Mexican restaurant chains is primed to hit the United States, with Texas leading the charge. Notable online news outlet Mashed recently published a story highlighting 12 Mexican chain restaurants on the cusp of significant expansion. Out of these, a whopping seven are head-quartered in Texas.

The Texas Seven

A fine blend of fast-food and fast-casual restaurants, these Texas-based chains serve a mouth-watering array of Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. From the 12 featured restaurants on Mashed’s list, five are specifically taco outlets, evidencing the continuing popularity of this iconic Mexican dish within America’s culinary scene.

Interestingly, major hospitality giants have recently acquired many of these Texas-based chains, such as Chuy’s, Fuzzy’s, and Taco Cabana. This undoubtedly provides a significant push for their nationwide expansion. Here’s a quick look at the Texas seven ready to embark on a flavorful journey across America:

1. Chuy’s

This Tex-Mex chain has its roots in Austin, with a unique, fun-filled, eclectic atmosphere being its signature since its inception in 1982. Known for promoting a highly personalized ambience across its 101 outlets over 15 states, Chuy’s expansion plans got a fresh boost after its acquisition by Darden Restaurants, Inc. in July 2024.

2. Fajita Pete’s

Founded in Houston in 2008, Fajita Pete’s prides itself in serving freshly made fajitas with chicken, pork, beef, and shrimp options. Its current network of 30 locations spans across Texas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Colorado, with its latest addition in Austin commencing operations on September 1.

3. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Originating from Fort Worth in 2001, Fuzzy’s specializes in Baja-style Mexican cuisine. They’re operational around the clock, serving burritos, tacos, breakfast items, and a full bar. Dine Brands recently added Fuzzy’s to their portfolio in 2022, bringing their outlet count to over 150 across 17 states.

4. Taco Cabana

An icon in San Antonio’s fast-casual dining scene since the 1970s, Taco Cabana is famous for its budget-friendly food. New upgrades in franchise operations include enhanced drive-thrus and a streamlined take-out ordering system, thanks to its acquisition in 2021 by Yadav Enterprises.

5. Taco Palenque

This fast-casual Mexican restaurant made its debut in Laredo in 1987. Founding by Juan Francisco Ochoa Sr., who also launched El Pollo Loco in 1975, Taco Palenque is now preparing for significant U.S. expansion.

6. Torchy’s

Torchy’s, an Austin-based taco chain that started as a simple taco truck in 2006, now boasts 125 locations in 14 states. They’re known for their innovative menu, such as Damn Good Tots topped with queso and bacon.

7. Velvet Taco

This unique venture, which started as a single taco shop in Dallas in 2011, now has nearly 50 restaurants across seven states. Known for their unique cuisine mashups like the Chicken & Waffle taco and the Tikka Chicken taco with basmati rice, they’re expanding to include airport locations in their future plans.

As these seven Mexican chains prepare to take the U.S. by storm, it will be intensely fascinating for food enthusiasts nationwide to witness the evolution and adaptation of Tex-Mex and Mexican cuisine. Bring on the Tacover!