Taco News

Chicago-based Cilantro Taco Grill to make Texas debut in Dallas area

Bowls and tacos at Cilantro Taco Grill

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A taqueria concept all the way from Chicago is making its Texas debut: Cilantro Taco Grill, a small family-owned chain founded in 2013, will open its first Texas location in Celina, at 734 Frontier Pkwy., in a new building just west of Preston Road across from Prosper High School.

The concept is coming to DFW in late fall thanks to franchisee Hector Haget, who says in a release that he admired Cilantro's food and mission.

“Cilantro Taco Grill brings something unique - authentic Mexican food that’s true to its roots,” Haget says. “With its proximity to major suburban developments, convenient highway access, and neighboring popular franchises, this location is positioned for success. I was drawn to Cilantro Taco Grill’s mission of positively impacting the communities where they operate, which aligns perfectly with my own goals for family and legacy.”

Cilantro Taco Grill was founded by Temoc Morfin, who was inspired to bring his family’s treasured flavors and recipes to the masses by his father, ‘Don Javi’ Morfin, a farmer who immigrated from Guadalajara, Jalisco.

Don Javi serves as the inspiration behind all Cilantro Taco Grill locations, as well as its accompanying Cilantro Tortilla Factory and Don Javi's shelf food products such as the Cilantro Famous House Salsa.

There are currently 15 restaurant locations and 1 tortilla factory. Each establishment is owned and operated by Don Javi's sons, daughters, and grandchildren.

The menu includes tacos with more than a dozen filling options including:

asada / steak
pastor / pork
pollo / chicken
barbacoa / mexican bbq
cecina / thin salted steak
chorizo / mexican sausage
picadillo / ground beef
veggie
carnitas / fried pork
chile relleno / stuffed peppers
tripas / tripe
lengua / tongue
pescado / fish
cabeza / beef head

There are also burritos, tortas, a taco salad, a very Chipotle-esque burrito "belly bowl," plus combination dinners with tacos, tamales, and the like.

A section of entrees includes chicken-fried steak ("Milanesa de pollo"), Bistek a la Mexican flank steak, and chile rellenos.

There's chips & salsa, guacamole, churros, and choco-flan. No alcohol, however.

Cilantro Taco Grill founder Temoc Morfin says in a statement that "expanding into Texas is a milestone for our brand, and we couldn't have asked for a better partner than Hector. His proven track record as an area developer for Jersey Mike’s in Southern California makes him the ideal person to lead our growth in this region. The Celina location is full of promise, and we’re eager to see the impact it will have."

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Closing News

Longtime Dallas restaurant Sevy's Grill to close after nearly 30 years

Photo courtesy of Sevy's Grill

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A longtime Dallas restaurant is closing in 2026: Sevy's Grill, which has been open at 8201 Preston Rd. near Preston Center for nearly 30 years, will close on June 27, 2026.

According to a release from the owners, they're closing due to what appears to be an increase in rent.

"After months of negotiations, we were not able to come to a mutually beneficial agreement for our fourth 10-year lease," the post said.

The restaurant is located in Preston Sherry Plaza, which was acquired in September 2025 by Austin-based Endeavor Real Estate. Somebody gotta foot the bill.

Sevy's says they are looking at other locations.

"Our focus now is to finish these next 6+ months taking care of our guests and staff at the same caring level we built our brand on: Warm, professional service, consistently good food and a comfortable ambiance where the guest is always first," the post says. "First on our list of priorities is taking care of our guests in December and all the wonderful celebrations of family, friends and business groups. We do still have some availability for reservations, including our last New Years Eve at Preston Sherry. Come celebrate with us as the exciting anticipation of a new year for all of us."

"Our second priority will be the search for a new location to continue doing what we love," they said. "We are already reviewing possible sites and will keep everyone updated regularly."

Owned by chef Jim "Sevy" Severson and his wife Amy Severson, the restaurant has long been a neighborhood favorite with a lively bar scene, and was nominated in CultureMap's 2018 Tastemaker Awards for Best Neighborhood Restaurant. They were a frequent choice for winemaker events and are also known for the longevity of their staff.

"Eight team members have been with us all 29+ years, with an average tenure in the kitchen of 15+ years and a Management team that you all know," their post said. "Come support our staff as we celebrate the next 6+ months.Thank you again for your support through all the normal challenges of running a restaurant as well as economic downturns, market bubbles, Y2K, and of course the COVID era. As I tell my family and friends to “enjoy the ride in life”, wow, what an amazing ride it has been for us! And as always, Sevy’s Grill is here for you."