Chuy’s, the popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain, is set to open its first location in McKinney, Texas, targeting a late 2026 launch. The new restaurant will be situated at the West Grove development, located at 8405 W. University Drive. This move marks Chuy’s expansion into a rapidly growing retail area north of Dallas, providing residents with another dining option.
The planned restaurant will feature a 6,600-square-foot building, which includes a bar and an outdoor patio. According to city planning documents, the establishment will occupy a 1.92-acre site, further enhancing the offerings of the West Grove development, which aims to become a mixed-use hub for shopping and dining.
Menu Highlights and Dining Experience
Chuy’s menu focuses on classic Tex-Mex dishes, offering an array of options such as enchiladas, tacos, burritos, flautas, and quesadillas. In addition, the restaurant will serve fajitas, soups, specialty sauces, and a selection of margaritas. Known for its signature creamy jalapeño sauce, Chuy’s aims to provide a full-service dining experience with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Hailey Fitch, Chuy’s communications manager, expressed excitement about the new location, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to made-from-scratch cooking. This ethos is expected to resonate well with the local community, which is seeing an influx of national dining concepts.
West Grove Development: A New Dining Destination
West Grove is being developed as a large mixed-use retail and dining district at the 380/Custer corridor. Marketing materials for the area highlight the importance of retail, restaurants, and green spaces as foundational elements. The center has attracted other national and regional dining brands, further positioning it as a destination for McKinney residents seeking diverse dining options.
The addition of Chuy’s aligns with the ongoing growth of the North Texas area, where approximately 10 Chuy’s locations already exist, including establishments in Frisco and Plano. This existing footprint indicates that McKinney is a strategic choice for the chain’s expansion, reflecting the increasing demand for new dining experiences in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs.
In 2024, Chuy’s underwent a significant ownership change when Darden Restaurants announced its acquisition of the chain. This transition integrates Chuy’s into a portfolio that includes well-known brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Industry observers suggest that this acquisition may accelerate Chuy’s expansion and site selection processes in suburban areas like McKinney.
As planning documents indicate a target opening in late 2026, the timeline could be subject to change due to typical permitting and construction processes. Utility work and site approvals may affect the schedule, leaving local residents and potential employees eager for updates as the year progresses. No official groundbreaking date has been announced, but interest in the new restaurant continues to grow as the community anticipates Chuy’s arrival.
