7 Mexican Chain Restaurants all set to take the U.S. by Storm, Starting with Texas

The U.S. appears poised to see growth in the Mexican restaurant segment, with many chains eyeing nationwide expansion. Texas is playing a leading role in this trend with seven Texas-based brands ready to take over the U.S. market.

Seven Texas Chains Eyeing National Domination

1. Chuy’s

Founded in 1982 in Austin, Chuy’s is renowned for its authentic Tex-Mex food and a casual dining atmosphere that varies from location to location. Currently, Chuy’s operates in 15 states with 101 locations, including six in San Antonio, New Braunfels, and San Marcos. Darden Restaurants, Inc., known for brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakouse, acquired Chuy’s in July 2024.

2. Fajita Pete’s

In 2008, Fajita Pete’s emerged in Houston. The brand built its reputation on handcrafted tortillas and homemade sides. They currently run 30 stores spread across Texas, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Colorado.

3. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop opened its doors in 2001 and offered Baja-style Mexican cuisine. The Fort Worth-based eatery serves a range of options from breakfast to dinner. Dine Brands acquired Fuzzy’s in 2022, and now, the brand operates in 17 states with over 150 locations.

4. Taco Cabana

Taco Cabana, a San Antonio native, was born in the 1970s. From tacos to burritos and innovative frozen margaritas, Taco Cabana has something for everyone. Yadav Enterprises bought the chain in 2021 and plans to revamp the drive-thru and take-out ordering system.

5. Taco Palenque

Founded in Laredo in 1987, Taco Palenque takes pride in its authentic Mexican food offerings. They plan to expand across America, much like the El Pollo Loco chain, also started by the founder Juan Francisco Ochoa Sr.

6. Torchy’s

From a food truck to 125 locations across 14 states, Torchy’s Tacos has come a long way since its inception in 2006. The brand is distinguished by its unique menu and a daring approach to try new things.

7. Velvet Taco

Dallas saw the birth of Velvet Taco in 2011. Over the years, the brand expanded to seven states with nearly 50 locations. Velvet taco is appreciated for its unique cuisine mashups. Future plans for the brand include opening locations in airports.

Challenges from foreign chains

The Mashed list also includes several non-Texas-based chains planning U.S. expansion, including Bubbakoo’s Burritos from the Jersey Shore, Canadian chain BurritoBar, Condado Tacos founded near The Ohio State University campus, District Taco from the mid-Atlantic region, and Surchero’s from Douglas, Georgia. These chains will pose considerable competition for the new Texas chains.

Looking at these brands, it is safe to anticipate a Tex-Mex explosion across the country soon. Whether these Texas-based chains can win over consumers across the entire U.S. is yet to be seen.