Often dubbed the “filet mignon of chicken,” this Raising Cane’s rival is now setting its sights on expansion into the Lone Star State.

If you haven’t heard of Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders, don’t worry, you’re not alone. The fast-casual chicken tender chain was founded in Orlando, Florida in 2004 and currently has about 80 locations across 12 states — most of them in the southeast. But the company is currently pursuing an aggressive expansion effort, including dozens of franchise restaurants planned for right here in Texas. And two of the very first locations could open in deep South Texas.

According to new filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, two Huey Magoo’s are currently in the works for Laredo and the Rio Grande Valley city of Harlingen. Both restaurants would be about 2,500 square feet.

Construction of the Laredo restaurant, which will be located at 7309 San Dario Ave. Suite 100, Laredo, TX 78045, was expected to begin this month and be completed by October, TDLR records show. The project involves limited demolition and then remodeling a space at an existing retail plaza in front of a Target store on the northbound side of Interstate 35.

Meanwhile, the Valley’s first Huey Magoo’s will be built near the Harlingen interchange where Interstates 2 and 69E meet. The Harlingen restaurant will entail new construction of a pad site next to Bass Pro Shops at 114 Bass Pro Drive, Harlingen, TX 78552, TDLR records show. Construction is set to begin in May and finish by the end of 2026.

Huey Magoo’s is an Orlando, Florida-based “fast casual” restaurant chain that specializes in “premium, hand-crafted chicken tenders” that the company characterizes as “The Filet Mignon of Chicken.” There are about 85 Huey Magoo’s across 12 states, with the majority located in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Ohio. There’s also one restaurant in Las Vegas.

Huey Magoo’s claim to fame is its “premium” chicken tenders made from “the best 3% of the chicken — the chicken tenderloin,” company officials said. Huey Magoo’s marinates its tenders for 24 hours and offers them served hand-breaded or grilled. Customers can choose from a variety of dipping sauces, including the company’s signature Magoo’s and Spicy Magoo’s dips, which foodies on Reddit describe as tangy, mayo-based dips that may include flavors such as garlic and onion powder and Worcestershire sauce.

Diners can get Huey Magoo’s tenders served in a sandwich, wrap or salad. Sides include crinkle-cut fries, “hand-spun fresh-cut” potato chips, coleslaw and side salads. Huey Magoo’s also offers a variety of beverage options, including specialty lemonades.

Huey Magoo’s doesn’t just have plans for deep South Texas. Earlier this month, the company announced that it had reached franchise agreements to open nearly two dozen of restaurants across North and East Texas. As part of two major franchise agreements, Huey Magoo’s is planning eight locations in the North Dallas area and more in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery counties in the Houston metroplex. It’s all part of a plan to have at least 100 locations by the end of 2026.