The beloved taco concept returns with original favorites, new flavors and plans for a Frisco location \n<\/p>\n
Before gourmet tacos became a staple of the North Texas dining scene, Tin Star was already experimenting with unexpected combinations. From cheeseburger tacos to crispy sweet potato straws, the locally founded restaurant built its reputation on putting a creative spin on familiar flavors.<\/p>\n
Now, more than 25 years after its debut, Tin Star is making a comeback in McKinney. The restaurant is open at 8801 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 100, bringing back longtime favorites alongside new menu additions, a full bar and weekend brunch.<\/p>\n
The revival is led by original co-founder Rich Hicks, who is bringing the concept back to North Texas with plans for another location in Frisco.<\/p>\n
Bringing Back A North Texas Original<\/p>\n
Tin Star was founded in 1999, years before gourmet taco concepts became widespread across the region. Its menu combined traditional ingredients with unconventional flavors, helping establish the brand as an early player in North Texas’ creative taco scene.<\/p>\n
Hicks, who also co-founded Mooyah Burgers, is leading the restaurant’s return alongside operating partner Aaron White, whose experience includes Nick & Sam’s and Mooyah.<\/p>\n
Rather than completely reinventing the concept, Hicks retained Tin Star’s original recipes and brought back longtime team member Ruben Velazquez to help recreate the dishes customers remember. The McKinney restaurant combines that familiar menu with an updated dining experience, including new taco creations, weekend brunch and an expanded beverage selection.<\/p>\n
What’s On The Menu?<\/p>\n
Several of Tin Star’s original favorites have returned, including the OG #9, made with grilled chicken, red onion-jalape\u00f1o marmalade, crispy sweet potato straws and Jack cheese. Other returning favorites include the Cowboy Kimchi Taco, featuring pork, grilled onions and crema fresca, and the Portabella Taco with mushrooms, roasted corn and pesto.<\/p>\n
The Cheeseburger Taco is also making a comeback, combining a burger patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles and Tin Star’s signature Love Sauce. Newer creations include The Maverick, featuring seared ribeye, avocado, caramelized onions and salsa verde in a cheese-crusted tortilla.<\/p>\n
Beyond tacos, the McKinney location offers weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Highlights include La Reina, a breakfast taco with eggs and fajita steak, and The Waffle, featuring chicken tenders, a sunny-side-up egg and maple syrup wrapped in a waffle-pressed tortilla.<\/p>\n
The restaurant also features a self-serve salsa bar and a full bar with signature frozen cocktails, including the Star Rita and Prickly Pear Paloma. Guests can enjoy $5 mimosas during brunch and $6 frozen cocktails before 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.<\/p>\n
Tin Star Is Already Planning A Frisco Location<\/p>\n
McKinney is only the beginning of Tin Star’s return to North Texas. The company plans to open a second restaurant in 2027 at The Mix in Frisco<\/a>, a 112-acre mixed-use development in the city’s North Platinum Corridor.<\/p>\n The development is expected to feature<\/a> Frisco’s first Whole Foods Market, along with restaurants, retail, offices, residential spaces and a nine-acre central park. While Tin Star initially targeted late February 2027 for the Frisco opening, an official opening date has not been confirmed.<\/p>\n For now, the McKinney restaurant is welcoming customers at 8801 Eldorado Parkway, Suite 100. More information is available at\u00a0tinstartacos.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n