Barrio Tacos Opens First Texas Location in McKinney With Build-Your-Own Concept

Barrio Tacos brought its build-your-own concept to McKinney on March 5, planting the Ohio-born chain's first Texas flag in a 3,014-square-foot renovated storefront at 9401 W. University Dr., Suite 150. Doors opened at 3 p.m., and the first 50 people in line walked away with free queso for a year.

Franchisee Wissam Saliba is steering the McKinney location, which he describes as a neighborhood anchor in both spirit and name. "Barrio means neighborhood, and [the brand] truly believes in that," Saliba said. His near-term ambitions stretch beyond Collin County: "We want to make sure that we're providing a superior product and service in McKinney before we shift focus to somewhere else. [An Austin location] is in the near future. But we really want to take the time and focus on the McKinney location and make it a great success."

The concept, founded in Tremont, Ohio, puts customization at the center of every order. Diners choose their tortilla, then build from more than a dozen proteins including barbacoa beef, cola-marinated steak, jalapeño lime shrimp, spicy blackened cod, chili tofu, and vegan Impossible chorizo, before layering on toppings like Napa slaw, caramelized onions and poblanos, pickled jalapeños, and guacamole. Nachos and bowls follow the same choose-your-own path. A chicken bacon ranch taco, stacked with spice-rubbed chicken, Monterey jack, lettuce, pico de gallo, and avocado ranch, represents the kind of signature option alongside the fully customizable bar. Prices run $5 to $15, and the kitchen accommodates vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan diets.

The bar leans heavily on tequila, with signature margaritas and a broad tequila-and-whiskey list rounding out the drink program. The service format is casual table service, with to-go orders also available.

Inside, the McKinney location carries the Day of the Dead aesthetic that defines Barrio's brand: custom metal work, skeletal figures, sugar skulls, and vibrant murals. Local muralist Mike Kotlarek handpainted the artwork, threading Texas imagery including the longhorn into the chain's signature visual language. The patio, which faces Kotlarek's colorful mural, is dog friendly, and servers can point dog owners toward complimentary "taco" dog treats handmade by Collin County small business Pea's Peanut Butter Dog Treats.

The McKinney opening marks Barrio's entry into the Dallas-Fort Worth market, with Saliba's sights already set on Austin as the next step in a Texas expansion that starts on West University Drive.