Chuy’s, the popular Tex-Mex restaurant chain, has announced plans to open its first location in McKinney, Texas, targeting a late 2026 opening. The restaurant will be situated at the West Grove development, a burgeoning retail hub north of Dallas, and will feature a spacious 6,600-square-foot building that includes a bar and outdoor patio.
City planning documents indicate that the new establishment will occupy a 1.92-acre site located at 8405 W. University Drive. According to Hailey Fitch, the communications manager for Chuy’s, the company is “excited to bring Chuy’s to McKinney,” emphasizing their commitment to a made-from-scratch dining experience.
Menu Highlights and Community Impact
The menu at Chuy’s is expected to showcase classic Tex-Mex dishes, including enchiladas, tacos, burritos, flautas, and quesadillas. Additionally, patrons can look forward to fajitas, soups, specialty sauces, and an array of margaritas. The restaurant is designed as a full-service location, featuring both bar seating and outdoor dining options.
West Grove is being promoted as a significant mixed-use retail and dining district at the intersection of Highway 380 and Custer Road. Marketing materials for the area highlight retail, restaurant offerings, and green spaces as key attractions. The development is already home to several national dining concepts, including Hopdoddy, further establishing West Grove as a prime destination for shopping and dining in west McKinney.
Expansion and Future Growth for Chuy’s
In a significant corporate move, Chuy’s underwent an ownership transition in 2024 when Darden Restaurants acquired the chain. This acquisition aligns Chuy’s with a portfolio that includes well-known brands like Olive Garden and LongHorn Steakhouse. Industry observers suggest that this change could accelerate the chain’s expansion into suburban markets such as McKinney.
Currently, there are approximately 10 Chuy’s locations throughout the North Texas area, including nearby Frisco and Plano. This existing presence indicates that McKinney is a logical next step for the brand as the Dallas-Fort Worth suburbs continue to attract new national and regional dining concepts.
While planning documents confirm a target opening date of late 2026, the timelines may be subject to change as permitting and construction processes unfold. Neither Chuy’s representatives nor developers at West Grove have announced a specific groundbreaking date, leaving the community and potential employees anticipating the arrival of this new dining option in the years to come.
