This Is Juicy

Texas joint debuts impossible veggie burger with meaty taste

This meatless burger is on the menu at Hopdoddy.

Photo courtesy of Impossible Foods

Austin's Hopdoddy Burger Bar is going meatless. Starting Friday, June 23, Hopdoddy is adding Impossible Foods' plant-based patty to the menu at all Texas locations. The homegrown chain is among the first in the U.S. to offer the meatless wonder.

The patty, which hit the scene in 2016, is lauded for being one of the most convincing imitations of ground beef. Developed by scientist and physician Patrick Brown, the Impossible Burger is made from a mix of wheat; coconut oil; potato protein; and heme, a plant-based protein described as the "magic ingredient" that gives the burger its meaty taste and signature look.

Hopdoddy will feature the plant-based patty in its new Impossible Burger, a version of the restaurant's Classic Burger. It is served with Tillamook cheddar, lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and "Sassy Sauce."

"We are proud to partner with a brand that aligns perfectly with the pillars that Hopdoddy was founded on: a unique and honest product made the right way, with the freshest and best available ingredients." says Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler in a release.

Impossible Foods strives to craft the tastiest, most authentic "meats" made entirely of plants. The California-based company aims to grow production to over 4 million patties per month, partner with more restaurants, and eventually expand its offerings. Targeting Texas is essential to that plan.

"While this isn't our first restaurant launch, Texas is crucial to Impossible Foods' expansion and mission," a spokesperson tells CultureMap. "Texas has some of the most discerning burger experts and meat lovers on the planet, and this will be the ultimate test for the Impossible Burger. If the Impossible Burger is a hit here, we are confident it will be everywhere."

The patty is also available at Underbelly and The Hay Merchant in Houston.

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Tex-Mex News

DosBros Fresh Mexican Grill brings its spin on Chipotle to McKinney

DosBros

A fast-casual Tex-Mex chain from Tennessee of all places has come to Texas: Called DosBros Fresh Mexican Grill, it opened its first location in McKinney at 6451 West University Dr, #500, in a new shopping center west of US-75.

DosBros — which is no relation to Dos Bros Tacos, a local restaurant in Garland — was founded in 2015 in Cleveland, Tennessee, where the chain is headquartered, by partners Kush Shah and Milan Patel. They went on to offer franchising, and DosBros has since grown to more than 40 locations, stretching in a line through the midwest and down to Florida. There are also two locations in India and one in Canada.

Their menu features Tex-Mex staples. “We didn’t really need to reinvent the wheel,” cofounder Kush Shah was quoted saying in an interview with CityScope Magazine. “We just had to come up with something that consumers were already comfortable with.”

The format is similar to Chipotle. You make a choice from burritos, nachos, bowls, tacos, salads, or quesadillas, then choose proteins and toppings.

The protein lineup includes chicken, steak, carnitas pork, barbacoa beef, spicy tofu, veggies, and chicken. Toppings include black or pinto beans, brown or cilantro rice, salsa, fire-roasted peppers, and, for an additional charge, queso or guacamole.

Prices range from $10-$20 per person.

Bringing the concept to McKinney is a group of family members led by husband and wife Markand and Komal Shah, who are residents of McKinney and wanted to bring something fresh to the area. The location is bright and modern, with exposed ceilings painted white and a combination of seating options including wooden benches and high-top tables with white cushioned stools.

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