Rich Hicks, one of the original co-founders of the Dallas-Fort Worth taco chain Tin Star, is preparing to reopen the brand in McKinney. The restaurant is scheduled to open in mid-September 2026 at 8801 Eldorado Parkway.
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 location closed in the late 2010s.
Hicks is the only original co-founder returning to the nearly 30-year-old brand. He partnered with Aaron White, who previously worked at Nick and Sam’s steakhouse and Mooyah Burgers. White was Hicks’ first franchisee when they co-founded Mooyah in the 2000s. The pair chose to start in Collin County, believing former customers may have moved to the suburbs.
"I usually like to start in Dallas and go north," Hicks said. "But because the brand has been established, we didn't feel the need to introduce it in Dallas this time."
The McKinney location will feature a cowboy-chic design and a full bar with at least eight frozen cocktails. Hicks retained the original recipes and hired Ruben Velazquez to help execute them. Velazquez began his career at Tin Star cleaning tables and working the register before becoming a cook, manager, and general manager.
The menu will include à la carte tacos ranging from brisket with queso to salmon BLT options. Several items from the 1999 menu are returning, including the Cowboy Kimchi taco with pork and grilled onions, the OG #9 with grilled chicken and sweet potato straws, and a portabella taco with roasted corn.
