http://www.kwtx.com/content/news/Landmark-Waco-restaurant-becomes-casualty-of-I-35-expansion-project-442772693.html

The El Chico on the Circle has closed its doors due to Coach Phil Bennett having moved to Phoenix. Nah, just kidding. The State of Texas now owns the restaurant and will demolish it to make way for the expansion of Interstate 35.

Because the closure was due to construction and the fact that El Chico has two restaurants in Bell County, I would think that El Chico will rise again in one of the two new shopping centers set for construction on Interstate 35 South.

They should just move across 35 to the area where Chili's is (we know it has been surviving at that exit for decades) or one of the other 35 exits through the Waco area. El Chico cant compete at the 340 exit with Chuy's and Don Carlos and especially should a Pappasitos go in to the new shopping center.

Please note I'm not saying there will be a Pappasitos but the Trib reported a couple of weeks ago that they are trying to lure one of the Pappas brands to go in there. Just to throw some reality on this before anyone gets too excited but 7 years ago they tried to lure one but the company didnt think that there was much of a market for their lunch prices in Waco. But.......that was also 7 years ago.

PartyBear said:

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They should just move across 35 to the area where Chili's is (we know it has been surviving at that exit for decades) or one of the other 35 exits through the Waco area. El Chico cant compete at the 340 exit with Chuy's and Don Carlos and especially should a Pappasitos go in to the new shopping center.

Please note I'm not saying there will be a Pappasitos but the Trib reported a couple of weeks ago that they are trying to lure one of the Pappas brands to go in there. Just to throw some reality on this before anyone gets too excited but 7 years ago they tried to lure one but the company didnt think that there was much of a market for their lunch prices in Waco. But.......that was also 7 years ago.

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I actually agree with you.

I think El Chico should open in that same area.

Also, on Waco Drive near the mall wouldn't be a terrible location. It fits the demographic El Chico is looking for even if it is a tad farther from campus.

They could be an exciting addition to the Waco Bank District. Perhaps some sweet incentives might be offered to sway them their way.

I assume you are talking about the River development? Then I'm not sure if you are serious if you are still talking about El Chico.

PartyBear said:

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I assume you are talking about the River development? Then I'm not sure if you are serious if you are still talking about El Chico.

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https://sicem365.com/forums/19/topics/11490/replies/290415

Just received some feedback from the corporate office.

El Chico is looking to open another Waco location, though they have nothing definitively planned at this time.

Last time I ate there, a frozen tex-mex dinner from walmart would have been better.

El Chico is what it is, but it's not all bad. Sometimes after eating at some of the million Mexicano Grille #548 or whatever I long for a return to the frozen Mexican TV dinner.