El Chico to Reopen in Wichita Falls by January
The classic restaurant will return to its former Kemp and Southwest Parkway location early in 2027.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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El Chico is scheduled to reopen at its former Wichita Falls site on January 5, 2027. New property owners Donnie and Kelli Long are overseeing the renovation of the building.
Why it matters
The return of the restaurant brings a familiar dining option back to a prominent local intersection. The project aims to revitalize the space with updated cooking methods and a revised menu.
The restaurant is scheduled to reopen on January 5, 2027. This location at Kemp and Southwest Parkway is undergoing a full remodel to accommodate modern operational changes.
The players
Donnie Long
He is one of the new property owners overseeing the restaurant renovation.
Kelli Long
She is one of the new property owners managing the return of the restaurant.
El Chico
It is a restaurant brand returning to its former site in Wichita Falls.
The details
The facility will transition to wood-burning cooking equipment, replacing the previous gas-based setup. In addition to the physical upgrades, the establishment plans to introduce new menu items upon its return to the community.
Timeline
Remodeling work is scheduled to begin in November 2026.
The restaurant is set to open its doors on January 5, 2027.
Market Landscape
This project follows a pattern set by the National Restaurant Association's report on independent restaurant revitalization trends regarding the reclamation of legacy commercial footprints. By updating the facility's infrastructure, the owners are positioning the venue to capture interest in a competitive local dining market.
Local diners can expect a renovated facility with updated cooking equipment and a new menu offering. Residents should look for site activity to begin at the Kemp and Southwest Parkway intersection starting next week.
The takeaway
The return of a long-standing local restaurant often signals a broader reinvestment into commercial real estate within the area. Community members interested in the reopening should keep an eye on construction progress as the project nears its early 2027 launch date.
Further reading
For more updates on local business changes, visit the Wichita Falls Openings & Closings section.
Live Poll
Do you prefer the return of established local businesses over the arrival of new ones?
