DEAL OF THE WEEK
Gringo’s to bulk up with Woodlands-area location
Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen will open a restaurant on the western edge of The Woodlands this summer, adding to the chain’s 10 area locations since it opened in Pearland 24 years ago.
The restaurant, the fifth one by franchisee and operating partner Joel Perkins, has leased 5,650 square feet in the Colonnade of the Woodlands at 30420 FM2978. The space, previously occupied by Blue Mug Cafe, was leased from 2978 Colonnade Group.
Hugh Ruggles, vice president of NewQuest Properties, represented the tenant.
“Up to about a month or so ago it was almost impossible to find a decent restaurant location in The Woodlands, especially one that was affordable,” Ruggles said. “Today there are several good locations available, but they are still priced high.”
Among the available spaces are a closed Blackeyed Pea and Market Street The Woodlands.
Russell Ybarra opened Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen in Pearland in 1993 and introduced sister concept Jimmy Changas, which has four locations, in 2011.
Between the two brands, Ybarra aims to open one to two restaurants a year, according to Heather McKeon, vice president, marketing. The next ones are planned in Port Arthur and College Station.
Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, with an average meal price of about $10, aims to get families to visit once or twice a week, McKeon said.
Perkins opened the chain’s first franchised location on Fuqua in 2010 and has other locations in the Champions, Spring and Cypress areas. The Woodlands location is planned to open in June or July.