Waco is seeing some huge growth.
New restaurants are moving into Waco, the music scene is bustling and there are new houses and apartments going up all over downtown. All of these things are good for our striving Waco economy, but with that success, however, comes failure. Places that were once beloved close and old town favorites become a thing of the past, while the new begins to infringe upon our experiences in our day-to-day lives.
So, we decided to compile a list of major restaurant chains that have closed their doors, some that have opened and ones we wish would come and give us something new.
Departing
• Cold Stone Creamery
Cold Stone was one of the earliest businesses to jump into Waco’s Central Texas Marketplace, but its run was short. Despite all the delicious ice cream and multiple flavors, it seems that Cold Stone was just too progressive for its time.
• Shogun Sushi and Steakhouse
Shogun closed and it wasn’t because Wacoans just don’t like sushi. Teriyaki Park has been in business on Franklin for years, and is still drawing in new business. It seems that Shogun just couldn’t cut it.
The Arby’s on Valley Mills Dr. is still open, but if you went to where the one on University Parks used to be, you’d find a 7-Eleven in its place. The Wendy’s Corp owns Arby’s; so it’s good to see that, a quarter-mile down the road, Wendy’s is still doing well.
Another chain over by Baylor that shut down, Taco Bueno had been waning on 5th Street its last few years. They still have a store open on Valley Mills Dr., but Waco definitely got the better deal since an Austin-based franchise moved into Taco Bueno’s old location.
Arriving
When Taco Bueno shut down, Torchy’s Tacos, an Austin based chain, saw a major financial opportunity and took it. Torchy’s has been open on 5th Street for less than two weeks, but has managed to draw a serious crowd and convince me that reputation in Waco can “make or break” a business.
I remember when I moved to Waco, my wife and I really were concerned about Waco’s lack of a BJ’s, but thankfully all that changed about two years back when the California-based company decided Waco was growing and worthy of their attention.
Another Austin-based company on our list, Longhorn Steakhouse has only been open for a couple of weeks and hopefully they can pull their weight in the already crowded steakhouse landscape and give Waco something different.
Waco’s got a lot of great places to get burgers, and a few months back we were given the option to start getting them “smashed.” Smash Burger, a major chain out of Denver, has been called one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in America, and it only made sense that they eventually found their way to Waco.
If you need a sandwich in this city, Jimmy John’s has got your back. With the newest location having been opened up on Valley Mills Dr., it seems that there’s almost nowhere in Waco that Jimmy John’s “freaky fast” delivery won’t go.
Wish List
• A Landry’s anything …
I’m from Houston and Landry’s is a thing over there. Joe’s Crab Shack, Landry’s Seafood and Morton’s Steakhouse are all Landry owned and operated franchises that all run at top-notch quality. They’ll eventually come to Waco. I’m just tired of waiting.
• Cheesecake Factory
When I say something about Cheesecake Factory to my friends in Waco, they instantly start imagining a magical, Willy-Wonka style factory that produces cheesecake in the exchange for children’s hopes and dreams. What it really is: an upscale restaurant that has killer specials, great food, and 50 different types of cheesecake. A place like Cheesecake Factory would be a welcomed addition to Waco dining.
• P. F. Chang’s
Pei Wei on Valley Mills Dr. is owned and operated by P. F. Chang’s, but it still isn’t P. F. Chang’s proper. The menu isn’t as robust, it’s not full service, and, most of all, Waco could really use more Asian dining options.
• In-N-Out Burger
Already rumored to be coming to Waco in the near future, In-N-Out would make a great addition to Waco’s already steller line up of great burger places. I personally think that Waco needs an In-N-Out just so we can have bragging rights. Their foods good too, but I just want to gloat.
• Another Chick-fil-A
Sure, Chick-fil-A is already here, but one Chick-fil-A drive-thru to service the entire city of Waco is simply no longer adequate. We know a second (technically third when counting the mall location) location is coming, but it can’t come soon enough.
