Rich Hicks, an original co-founder of the Dallas-Fort Worth taco chain Tin Star, is preparing to reopen the brand. The first new location will open in McKinney in mid-September 2026. A second restaurant is scheduled to follow in Frisco during spring 2027.
Tin Star originally launched in 1999, predating the modern gourmet taco boom that later featured competitors like Torchy’s and Velvet Taco. The chain expanded to 16 locations before the founders sold it in the late 2000s. After changing ownership several times, the final original location closed in the late 2010s.
Hicks is the only founding member returning to the nearly 30-year-old brand. He partnered with Aaron White for this revival; White previously worked at Nick and Sam’s steakhouse and was the first franchisee of Mooyah Burgers, which Hicks also co-founded. The pair chose to start in Collin County, believing former customers may have relocated to the suburbs.
The McKinney restaurant will feature a cowboy-chic design and a full bar with frozen cocktails. Hicks retained the original recipes and hired Ruben Velazquez to help execute them. Velazquez began his career at Tin Star cleaning tables before rising through the ranks to general manager.
The menu includes à la carte tacos ranging from brisket with queso to salmon BLT options. Several items from the 1999 lineup are returning, including the Cowboy Kimchi taco and the OG #9 with grilled chicken and sweet potato straws. The cheeseburger taco will also return in three variations: original, smashburger, and steakhouse burger.
