Tin Star, the Dallas-Fort Worth taco chain that closed after nearly 30 years, is making a comeback in North Texas. One of the original co-founders, Rich Hicks, is weeks away from reopening the restaurant, with McKinney set to debut in mid-September. A second Tin Star is expected to open in Frisco in spring 2027, bringing back a brand that sold gourmet tacos in a fast-casual setting. Tin Star grew to 16 restaurants before the founders sold it in the late 2000s, and it kept operating for about another decade. The final location closed in the late 2010s, but many of the best-selling tacos from 1999 are back on the 2026 menu. Hicks hired Ruben Velazquez, who started at Tin Star cleaning tables and working the cash register before becoming a cook, manager and general manager. The McKinney restaurant will have a full bar and at least eight frozen cocktails, and Tin Star plans locations in McKinney and Frisco. Tin Star will be at 8801 Eldorado Parkway in McKinney and is expected to open in mid-September 2026.
