Taco News

Rockwall won't have to drive to Dallas anymore for Torchy's green chile queso

Their green chile queso is famous and rightfully so.

Torchy's

Green chile queso is headed for Rockwall with the arrival of Torchy's Tacos, the Austin-based taco chain, which is opening a location at 2235 S. Goliad St. #120, in a space previously occupied by Luby's, which sadly closed in 2021.

According to a release, the restaurant will open on July 13.

With six locations around Dallas-Fort Worth and 72 locations in Texas, there is no shortage of Torchy's Tacos. However, this will be the first location in Rockwall, and that's surely a benchmark worthy of celebration.

And celebrate they shall: Torchy's is hosting a grand opening event that will include free limited-edition Torchy's Restaurant Opening T-shirts to the first 100 people in line at 10 am on opening day.

It's about more than the shirt: Those who score a T-shirt get a year of free Green Chile Queso every time they wear it to the Rockwall location. (That free queso can only be redeemed once per day on dine-in or takeout orders. Cannot be redeemed on online or delivery orders.)

Torchy's founder and CEO Mike Rypka says in a statement that opening more locations in Texas has been a priority, and Rockwall will help them achieve that mission.

Menu highlights include:

Tacos: Served on house-made corn or flour tortillas, with options such as Green Chile Pork featuring pork carnitas, green chiles, and cotija cheese; MoFaux with plant-based, cowboy-style Beyond Beef; Trailer Park with fried chicken, green chiles, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheddar jack cheese.

Breakfast Tacos: Served all day, with options like The Wrangler with eggs, brisket, potato, cheese, and tomatillo sauce. Also, migas with eggs, corn tortilla strips, green chiles, avocado, pico de gallo, and cheese.

Taco of the Month: Torchy's introduces a new taco flavor every month, and a portion of the proceeds benefits charitable partners such as the Make-a-Wish Foundation, MD Anderson, and Phoenix House.

Sides: Green Chile Queso and Chips is the most famous, but they also have refried beans, street corn, guacamole, and salsa.

Drinks: That includes margaritas and craft beer, with a Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3-6 pm offering $1.50 off draft and bottled beer, and $2 off drinks. They also do $3.50 sangria and mimosas Saturday-Sunday all day.

The location is a 4,000-square-foot space with an outdoor patio. There's a space right next door that used to be a Fuddruckers, but that closed in spring 2022.

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School Cafeteria News

Unusual new restaurant in Lewisville summons Korean school cafeteria

Andrea Young/AsianGrub in DFDUB

F&F on the Go

An adorable restaurant that serves up a Korean school lunch has opened in Lewisville: Called F&F On The Go, it's at 2405 S. Stemmons Fwy. #201, on the second floor of Korean specialty Zion Market, where it specializes in Geupshik — a Korean custom that refers to the homestyle lunch meals provided by schools or companies.

At F&F, you get a pre-set meal, served in a stainless steel tray with compartments for the different courses. You make two choices: black or white rice and your protein, from choices such as Beef Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Teriyaki Chicken, Spicy Squid, and Salmon Steak.

Everey meal comes with the banchan, or Korean side dishes, which the restaurant rotates daily — there's usually a salad and kim chi — plus a classic Japanese yogurt drink called “Yakult."

For $14.99, you get an authentic, yet approachable taste of Korean comfort food, says co-founder Eric Song.

“It’s a unique concept in DFW that blends Korean and Japanese flavors with a nostalgic touch,” Song says.

F&F On The Go is part of the growing Fast and Furious brand, which launched in Irving in 2013, where Song is head of operations and brand development. Their first concept was F&F Japanese Grill, a fast-casual hibachi restaurant featuring Korean and Japanese fusion cuisine which now has locations in Addison, Plano, Frisco, and Greenville Avenue.

In 2016, they expanded with a food truck, F&F Express, which makes K-style bowls.

With F&F On The Go, Song wanted to create a casual, but high-quality dining experience inspired by the nostalgic Korean school lunch style.

The presentation was designed to bring a touch of nostalgia, yet be appealing to diners unfamiliar with the style or dishes. The counter and seating area have a clean finish while capturing the essence of a Korean school cafeteria. The word “Geupshik” (급식) in Korean literally means "school meal" or "lunch service."

The restaurant is in a multicultural area north of the Sam Rayburn Tollway in Lewisville — surrounded by sushi restaurants and Korean street food stores.

“We chose the location based on strong community presence and growing demand for Asian comfort food in the area,” Song says.

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