Tex-Mex originator to officially open doors Tuesday; pre-opening VIP events benefit Careity Foundation
Weatherford-area fans of Tex-Mex food are about to discover a new favorite restaurant.
Dallas-based El Fenix – renowned as the originator of “Tex-Mex cuisine” – is officially opening its doors at 11 a.m. tomorrow, June 2. The new restaurant, located at 315 Adams Drive, will begin serving up the traditional favorites that have helped make El Fenix a North Texas institution for nearly 100 years.
Tuesday’s grand opening celebration begins at 10:30 a.m. with an official ribbon cutting featuring Mayor Dennis Hooks and representatives of the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce.
“I can’t tell you how excited we are to finally start serving our award-winning enchiladas, margaritas and other signature dishes to the people of Weatherford,” said Brandon Whitten, general manager of the newest El Fenix. “There’s a reason El Fenix is one of Dallas’ most beloved restaurant brands, and my team and I are committed to becoming just as important a part of the local community here as well.”
Prior to Tuesday’s opening, El Fenix will be hosting three VIP events to help train the staff while raising donations for Careity Foundation, a North Texas charity dedicated to providing on-site services for economically challenged cancer patients in an oncology setting, as well as early cancer detection.
“Careity Foundation is an extraordinary organization providing life-sustaining services to cancer patients across the area, including here in Weatherford,” said Whitten. “We’re honored to use our grand opening training events as a platform to raise funds and awareness for them.”
Whitten will present a check to a Careity Foundation executive during Tuesday’s grand opening celebration.
As part of its pre-opening community outreach, El Fenix also donated auction items – including gift cards, salsa jars, chips and queso – to the Parker County Relay for Life in April. The restaurant likewise donated gift cards to volunteers working at last month’s Taste of Parker County.
The Weatherford location is the first ground-up El Fenix constructed since the chain was acquired by Firebird Restaurant Group in 2008. The restaurant covers nearly 6,000 square feet, with seating for 242 diners. It is the 23rd location in the El Fenix system. All of the original El Fenix dishes, including the famous Wednesday “Enchilada Dinner Special,” will be offered at the new location.
The Weatherford restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday.
El Fenix was founded in 1918 by Mike Martinez, a Mexican immigrant who opened a small restaurant on the corner of Griffin Street and McKinney Avenue in Dallas. Often, at its main location in downtown Dallas, the lunchtime line of patrons spills out the front door and down Alamo Street. El Fenix is renowned as the originator of “Tex-Mex cuisine” and the restaurant’s Wednesday “Enchilada Dinner Special,” which features two cheese enchiladas, refried beans, and rice. Acquired by Firebird Restaurant Group in 2008, El Fenix was refurbished with freshened interiors and a revamped menu, while maintaining its signature core menu and products. In 2010, Nation’s Restaurant News named El Fenix one of its 50 All-American Icons, “restaurants that stole our hearts and stood the test of time.” For more information, visit ElFenix.com.
