Looking back at 2018, Plano’s restaurant scene seemed to slide into its new stride. With big additions to Legacy West and The Boardwalk at Granite Park taking full shape, the Plano food scene no longer has to prove its worth. The restaurants do that themselves. And 2019 proves that isn’t changing anytime soon. Here are a few of the most anticipated restaurant openings happening in Plano and its surrounding cities (because, yes, sometimes we leave town) this year.
Acai and Alchemy
Plano resident Lisa Nguyen will bring grade-A acai to The Shops at Willow Bend with Acai and Alchemy. Inspired by her favorite tastes from childhood featuring exotic Asian fruits and her travel experience, Lisa says she’s creating food that will help nourish her customers’ minds, bodies and souls.
Location: The Shops at Willow Bend
Projected Opening: February 2019
Acai and Alchemy >
Barley and Board
The Denton gastropub will join the new dining district coming to The Colony’s Grandscape this year with a second location. The shareable small and large plates are perfectly paired with featured handcrafted brews and cocktails.
Location: Grandscape in The Colony
Anticipated Opening: Fall 2019
Barley and Board >
bellagreen
The Houston concept will open its second Plano location at Park and Preston. This will be just a few months after the location at The Shops at Legacy restaurant came on the scene in December. The fast casual concept brings American bistro, chef-prepared dishes to diners in a casual environment.
Location: West Plano
Projected Opening: March 2019
bellagreen >
CAVA
The fast-casual Mediterranean eatery will open its first Plano location in Legacy West next spring. The customizable menu lets diners build their own creations with a wide range of bases, dips, spreads, proteins, toppings and dressings.
Location: Legacy West
Projected Opening: Spring 2019
CAVA >
Ebesu Sushi & Robata
Owner Tetsuya Nakao plans to bring his Japanese dishes to local diners this year with his first U.S. restaurant, Ebesu Sushi & Robata, in Downtown Plano. Thanks to the area’s growing Asian restaurant scene, the restaurateur knew Plano would appreciate his sophisticated menus. With entree price points around $40 and a full liquor bar, this sushi spot is sure to stand out on 15th Street.
Location: Downtown Plano
Projected Opening: April 2019
Ebesu Sushi & Robata >
Good Union BBQ
The CityLine barbecue joint will be joining the expansive restaurant offerings at The Boardwalk at Granite Park. Owner Mike Leatherwood hopes to create a space where locals can gather and enjoy a high-quality barbecue experience.
Location: The Boardwalk at Granite Park
Projected: Spring 2019
Good Union BBQ >
Hiccups Tea House and Churroholic
Richardson Restaurant Park will bring more exotic flavors to local diners with the addition of Hiccups Tea House and Churroholic. The Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese fusion eatery will offer hot dishes like bulgogi fries, garlic noodles and pho alongside milk teas, slushies, and smoothies, which are all available with boba, fruit or jelly add-ins. With fresh churros, everyone can find something to satisfy their sweet tooth.
Location: Richardson Restaurant Park
Projected Opening: Late 2019
Hiccups Tea House and Churroholic >
Louisiana Crab Shack
Owner Lap Van Doung is bringing this fresh concept to Plano. He will dish out classic Louisiana recipes with a refined attention to detail to his customers.
Location: Legacy100
Projected Opening: Early 2019
(Editor’s note: this restaurant was originally incorrectly identified as Boiling Crab.)
Olivella’s
Charlie Green will be bringing his old-fashioned way of pizza crafting to The Shops at Legacy with his new location. The new concept will feature both Southern and Northern Italian pizza styles as well as an extensive pasta menu.
Location: The Shops at Legacy
Projected Opening: January 2019
Olivella's >
OMG Tacos
With top quality meats and fresh ingredients, OMG Tacos brought SoCal-style flavors to Texas. Now it’s opening another location in North Texas at Richardson Restaurant Park. Guests can expect fusion street tacos, carne asada loaded fries, quesadillas, and the signature OMG elotes topped with hot Cheetos.
Location: Richardson Restaurant Park
Projected Opening: March 2019
OMG Tacos >
Original ChopShop
After opening at The Shops at Legacy, Original ChopShop is expanding its Plano base by adding another location in West Plano at Preston Towne Crossing. Its quick, healthy salads, wraps and grain bowls are perfect to grab on the go or enjoy in the restaurant alongside a kombucha on draft.
Location: West Plano
Projected Opening: April 2019
Original ChopShop >
Rush Bowls
The husband-and-wife team Ted and Elizabeth Bachmeier will be opening a Rush Bowls in Frisco. The all-natural menu features more than 40 signature bowls and fresh fruit and vegetable based smoothies.
Location: The Star in Frisco
Anticipated Opening: January 2019
Rush Bowls >
Stampede 66
The beloved Dallas classic Stampede 66 is moving north this year. James Beard Award-winning chef Stephan Pyles will be bringing his Texan dishes and handcrafted cocktails to the new Allen hotel at Watters Creek.
Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Dallas Allen & Watters Creek Convention Center
Anticipated Opening: January 2019
Stampede 66 >
The District
Plano will be getting its second food hall this year at Legacy Central. The mixed-use development will feature a 400-seat, farm-to-fork food hall called The District, as well as coffee kiosks and rotating food trucks, to help nourish the nearby office parks.
Location: Central Plano
Projected Opening: February 2019
The District >
Thirsty Lion
The gastropub and grill will open its third Texas location in The Colony, bringing seasonal dishes, a lavish brunch and happy hour specials with it. The menu includes everything from creamy queso to bacon wrapped dates to an ahi poke stack.
Location: Grandscape in The Colony
Anticipated Opening: Summer 2019
Thirsty Lion >
Urban Seafood Co.
Urban Crust and Urban Rio have a new sister restaurant. Urban Seafood Co., created by husband-and-wife team Nathan and Bonnie Shea, promises to shell out the freshest fish, clams, mussels, oysters and lobsters you can find in Plano.
Location: Downtown Plano
Projected Opening: Early 2019
Downtown Plano >
