Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food

Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food is a full-service Tex-Mex restaurant concept centered on mesquite-grilled meats, a made-from-scratch kitchen, and an active bar program that supports social, occasion-driven dining. [2] Guests typically see food prepared in open kitchens and gather around large bars and patios, which makes the restaurants a fit for families, groups, and business outings looking for a sit-down experience rather than quick service. [2]

The brand began in 1986, when the first Uncle Julio’s opened in the Dallas–Fort Worth area with a focus on Texas ranch-style grilling and border-inspired recipes built on fresh ingredients. [2] Over the years, that single restaurant grew into a regional chain known for mesquite wood-fired fajitas, tableside preparations, and a signature dessert experience that helped establish the restaurants as destination venues for celebrations. [2] A notable milestone came in the late 2010s, when the company had expanded to roughly a few dozen locations and attracted private equity investment that funded updated branding, menu development, and a new wave of site investments. [2]

As of December 2025, Uncle Julio’s operates several dozen company-owned restaurants across multiple states, with a concentration in major Texas markets and a growing presence in Sun Belt destinations such as Florida. [2] The footprint leans toward high-traffic suburban and destination retail corridors, including lifestyle centers, power centers, and entertainment districts where full-service dining can pull from both local and regional traffic. [2] Restaurants are generally large-format units that pair full bars with patios and prominent street or parking-lot visibility, which helps the concept function as a draw within larger retail lineups. [2]

Over roughly the past five years, growth has emphasized disciplined infill and careful expansion into complementary trade areas rather than rapid national rollout. [2] The brand has used new capital to refresh existing units and improve the guest experience, illustrated by renovations of long-standing locations such as its Fort Worth restaurant, while still opening selective new stores in core and adjacent markets. [2] This blend of remodels and new builds supports consistent brand presentation and strengthens performance in established trade areas before the company reaches too far into new geographies. [2]

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Uncle Julio’s represents an experienced, independently owned operator that runs large, from-scratch kitchens and bar-forward dining rooms in visible, high-profile retail and entertainment settings. [2] The concept’s focus on destination dining, group occasions, and strong evening and weekend traffic often complements daytime-oriented retail and service co-tenants, helping extend dwell time across a center. [2] While the company is selective about new sites, its operating history, recognizable brand, and willingness to reinvest in existing assets position it as a credible anchor or co-anchor candidate in strong Sun Belt and Texas trade areas where the fundamentals support full-service restaurant demand. [2]