For nearly half a century, Fred’s Texas Cafe has been a Fort Worth constant — a place where the burgers arrive hefty, the drinks stay cold, and nobody worries much about who you are or what you’re wearing. Now, for the first time in its 48-year history, the beloved burger joint is crossing the city line.
On January 27, Fred’s will officially open its Crowley location at 101 N. Magnolia Street, marking the restaurant’s first outpost beyond Fort Worth, according to a release. The new space spans roughly 6,200 square feet and seats 220 guests indoors, combining a preserved historic bar with a newly constructed dining room. A covered patio with room for 60 more guests is planned to open at a later date. The restaurant will operate daily from 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., expanding Fred’s reach while holding tight to the laid-back spirit it’s been known for since 1978.
The opening will be marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from noon to 1 p.m., hosted in partnership with the Crowley Chamber of Commerce and city leadership. The event is open to the public—a fitting start for a restaurant that has always served as a neighborhood gathering place.
“Fred’s Texas Café is a Texas institution, celebrated for its legendary burgers and true Texas hospitality,” said Crowley Mayor Bill Davis. “For decades, Fred’s has been a place where friends and families gather to enjoy great food and cold drinks. We are thrilled that Fred’s has chosen Crowley as part of its next chapter and honored to welcome this beloved brand into the heart of our downtown.”
The restaurant sits in a building that has been part of Crowley for more than a century. The original structure dates back to 1887, when it opened as the Hays Brothers General Store and Post Office. It later became the Clover Farm Store in 1919, and in 1925, the wooden building was replaced with brick. From 1957 to 1976, the space operated as Legg’s Super Saver. Fred’s preserved the historic bar housed within the original brick walls, while adding the rest of the dining room — an expansion designed to respect the building’s past rather than overwrite it.
As Crowley continues to grow, the arrival of Fred’s brings new jobs, new foot traffic, and renewed attention to a downtown that has long served as the city’s gathering point. The move reflects a broader balancing act — welcoming growth while honoring the places that shaped the community in the first place.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Crowley community for their patience, support, and warm welcome as we worked to bring Fred’s to town,” Fred’s Texas Cafe President Quincy Wallace said. “This building has served as a gathering place for generations, and we’re honored to carry that legacy forward. We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome neighbors old and new.”