Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen

Russell Places a Winning Bet

January 11, 1993

Master Enchilada Roller Russell Ybarra opens the first Gringo’s in Pearland, Texas. “The Original” becomes a local institution and the first successful step in Gringo’s history.

Branding Our Vision

August 22, 1993

Gringo’s debuts its first logo in Pearland, Texas.

The Winning Streak Continues

July 2, 1996

Our second location was born in La Porte, Texas where Russell and his family grew up.

Out With the Old

August 22, 1999

Gringo’s takes over the Mall of the Mainland with a complete remodel of an old Red Lobster to open its Texas City location.

Upping the Ante

July 10, 2000

After years of being a Gringo’s General Manager & Operations Manager, Joel Perkins opens Fuqua, our first franchised location. Hard work, passion and dedication pay off BIG at Gringo’s!

Gringo’s 2.0

February 18, 2002

Raising the stakes with a new look.

Number Cinco is a Success

October 12, 2002

The corporate and management team celebrate the opening of Gringo’s Stafford. Gringo’s comes to life after completely remodeling a previous Mexican restaurant.

Beatle Mania

May 13, 2003

Gringo’s hosts a benefit concert, featuring the Fab Four, for the Boys and Girls Harbor and Neighborhood Centers of La Porte. The Fab Four is a Beatles look-a-like band that regularly performs at the Las Vegas Hilton.

San Antonio Stroll

July 9, 2003

Gringo’s heads west with its first location outside Houston.

Muy Grande Gringo’s

May 28, 2004

“The Original” Pearland is reborn with a larger, renovated space. The new building is dedicated to a fallen hero, Private Leroy Sandoval, Jr.

Home After the Hurricane

September 18, 2005

Gringo’s provides a new lease home for the Allen family, who were displaced from their home by Hurricane Katrina; plus, pays for a full year’s rent, utilities, monthly expenses and a new car.

Ace in the Hole

April 12, 2006

Joel Perkins opens Gringo’s Champions, his second franchised location in Spring, Texas.

High Roller

August 11, 2007

Russell Ybarra speaks on a panel with President George W. Bush at the Latino Coalition Conference.

Giving Back

December 8, 2007

Through a $4,000 generous donation, 63 underprivileged children are given brand new bicycles along with gift cards for teenage children as part of a Christmas donation to the La Porte Community Civic Club.

The evolution continues!

June 17, 2008

The fabulous Gringo’s logo makes its appearance in print to match the Vegas-replica monument signs.

Doubling Down

November 12, 2008

Gringo’s scores its second Pearland location with another ground-up construction at Pearland Town Center near Hwy 288. The Gringo’s family also grew with the addition of location proprietary partner, Joe Ivey.

Kevin Carroll goes All In

July 6, 2009

After years in management and operations with Gringo’s, Carroll is rewarded with his very own location. Rosenberg is located at Brazos Town Center and is the third franchise location.

Quite an Honor

August 18, 2009

Russell Ybarra, president and founder of Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, is honored with his family at the Greater Houston Restaurant Association’s (GHRA) Gala Fundraiser.

Private Dining

October 19, 2009

Stafford begins construction on a Private Dining Room to accommodate 20 to 64 guests. The room is completed in December.

A Pair of Lucky Dice

January 29, 2010

Pearland “The Original” holds a “Deal or No Deal”-style game to give associates the chance at a Chevy Camaro to thank them for their hard work during the holidays.

Make it Tres

September 30, 2010

Gringo’s purchases land located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 290 and Mueschke Road with the intent to open a new location in Cypress 2011. This is the first ground-up project for Franchisee, Joel Perkins.

What’s Jimmy Changas?

January 11, 2011

Sister concept, Jimmy Changas, opened its doors in Pasadena, Texas. No coincidence…Gringo’s opened it’s doors on January 11th, 1993

Go Big or Go Home

September 24, 2012

Hugo “Dos Caballos” Olvera was rewarded with a brand new truck! Did we mention Hugo was Gringo’s very first team member?

20-Years of Business

January 11, 2013

Gringo’s Celebrates {20 YEARS} of enriching lives one taco at a time by serving the highest quality Tex-Mex at the lowest price possible.

Local Police Officer gets New Leg

September 3, 2013

Pasadena Police Officer, Mike Huffman, was involved in a tragic accident where he was critically injured and lost his leg. 50% of restaurant sales {Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas} were donated to purchase him an X3 Ottobock prosthetic leg.

Voted People’s Choice

January 25, 2014

Gringo’s was voted ‘People’s Choice’ and awarded a Golden Fork from the Greater Houston Restaurant Association.

A Day to Remember

May 12, 2014

Mayor of La Porte declares “Russell Ybarra Day”

Rockin’ Summer Concerts for Camp Hope

August 4, 2014

Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas sponsored Rockin’ Thursday Concert Series held at the Redneck Country Club raising $207,598 for veterans coping with PTSD at Camp Hope.

Number Cuatro

November 10, 2014

Joel Perkins opens his fourth franchised location, Gringo’s Spring.

Team Member’s Life Changing Gift

December 23, 2014

Melinda Johnson, a valued team member at Gringo’s Texas City, picked up her new prosthetic leg {donated by Gringo’s} after a team member reached out to Russell about how deserving she was of a prosthetic leg.

Your Lunch Spot

January 19, 2015

Gringo’s team launches a new lunch spot, The Lunch Box, in La Porte, Tx. Serving up house-made soups, salads, and sandwiches.

Breaking Ground on New Camp Hope Facility

May 14, 2015

Groundbreaking for Russell Ybarra’s Home for Heroes at Houston’s Camp Hope.

Time Flies when You’re Serving Enchiladas

July 24, 2015

Gringo’s Fuqua, our first franchise location by managing partner, Joel Perkins, celebrates 15 years!

Supporting Camp Hope

August 7, 2015

Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas sponsored 80’s Tribute Night & 100% of ticket proceeds benefitted Camp Hope. $21,000 raised for veterans suffering from PTSD.

Taste of the Town

September 20, 2015

The La Pica Rita was born…oh so classy, with a hint of sass!

Ribbon Cutting for new Camp Hope Facility

January 28, 2016

Russell Ybarra’s Home for Heroes opens at Camp Hope allowing for extra housing for veterans & their families to stay on the premises, at no cost, while coping with PTSD.

Gringo’s Support Houston Flood Victims BIG

April 26, 2016

Gringo’s Support Houston Flood Victims BIG 50% of the day’s SALES were donated to those affected by the 2016 Houston flooding. $100,000 was presented on May 3, 2016 to Houston Mayor, Sylvester Turner, for the Greater Houston Storm Relief Fund.

TRA Hall of Honor Inductee

June 12, 2016

President/CEO, Russell Ybarra was inducted into the Texas Restaurant Association Hall of Honor. Check it out!

#BackTheBadge

July 12, 2016

Fundraiser held at all Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas locations. $104,000 in meals donated to our local First Responders & their families to show our support.

The Jonathan Kim Gym

October 15, 2016

Getting fit just became easier for Camp Hope Veterans. A brand new on-site 1,200 square foot state-of-the-art gym is now open. A Ribbon Cutting and BBQ cook-off were held to celebrate the grand opening of The Jonathan Kim Gym located at the Camp Hope facility.

COO Announced

January 9, 2017

It is with great honor that I promote Jonathan Kim to the position of Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Ybarra Franchising Group, LLC., representing our Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, Jimmy Changas, Bullritos La Porte and The Lunch Box. Read more

A Welcome Addition

August 22, 2017

Woodlands, we have arrived! Our fifth franchise location for the Perkins Team opens their doors – and we couldn’t be happier to call the Woodlands home.

Officer Kraatz Benefit

September 11, 2017

In recognition of the “Tex-Mex for Kraatz” event, Gringo’s La Porte had sales of $21,889. Family, friends, first responders, community officials & more came out in droves to support one of their own, Officer Jason Kraatz. As a community, we were honored to present Jason & his family a check for >> $10,944.65!

St. Jude 2017

November 1, 2017

Guests purchased t-shirts, margaritas and pumpkin pin-ups totaling a donation of over $215,544 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Gringo’s Strong

December 12, 2017

Gringo’s Champions reopened 108 days after Hurricane Harvey hit the area. We took in 4 feet of water, but after a complete demolition and remodel, Tex-Mex is being served once again! The reopening was made possible by our amazing team and community – the driving force behind the recovery process and stunning transformation.

2017 People’s Choice Michelada

December 18, 2017

Gringo’s the Original’s, Alex Franke, won People’s Choice Michaelada at the 2017 GHRA Annual Fall Cookout.

25 Years of Tex-Mex

January 11, 2018

Gringo’s Celebrates {25 YEARS} of enriching lives, one taco at a time by serving the highest quality Tex-Mex at the lowest price possible. Thank you for a wonderful 25 years! Read More.

Groundbreaking at Gringo’s New Caney

March 16, 2018

We’re upping the ante with our fourteenth Gringo’s location, located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 59 and Grand Parkway 99, part of the Valley Ranch Town Center complex. Anticipated opening early October 2018.

Burgers Worth Fighting For

April 24, 2018

Gringo’s team launches a new luchador-inspired burger joint, Burger Libre, in La Porte, Tx. Serving up brutally awesome, no-holds-barred, burgers.

CMO Announced

May 8, 2018

It is with great honor today that we announce Heather McKeon’s well-deserved promotion to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) for Ybarra Franchising Group, LLC., representing our Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, Jimmy Changas, Bullritos La Porte, The Lunch Box and most recent, Burger Libre. Read More.

Pull-Ups for a Purpose

June 27, 2018

Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas hosted Pull-Ups for a Purpose at the Jonathan Kim Gym, at Camp Hope, benefitting veterans battling PTSD and reside on site. Raising a total of $100,362 for veterans suffering from PTSD.

The Gringo’s Family Grows Again

July 31, 2018

Sugar Land, we’re ready to serve! The Gringo’s family grows again as our second franchise location for the Carroll Team opens their doors, eager to call Sugar Land home.

Tex-Mex Insider Program Launches

August 1, 2018

Gringo’s launches a new loyalty program at all locations, where guests can earn rewards for dining as a Tex-Mex Insider. Read more.

Voted Favorite Margarita

October 8, 2018

Gringo’s Rosenberg was voted “Favorite Margarita” by the online readers of Absolutely Brazos Community Magazine.

Upping The Ante Again

October 16, 2018

New Caney, we have arrived! We’ve upped the ante with our thirteenth location, and we couldn’t be happier to serve the New Caney community.

#TexMexForHeroes Benefit

February 19, 2019

In recognition of the “Tex-Mex for Heroes” benefit on January 30, 2019, Gringo’s The Original, Gringo’s Town Center, and Jimmy Changas Pearland had sales of $50,248. Family, friends & community came out to support US Army Specialist Jeremy Visbal and his family. We were honored to present Building Homes For Heroes, and the Visbal family, with a check for $50,248 to help offset the cost of the brand new mortage-free home for the family in Manvel, Tx!

Newest Gringo’s Location Announced

March 16, 2019

The newest location, Gringo’s Katy, was announced with plans to open in 2020.

Every Queso Counts

June 27, 2019

On Thursday, June 27th, 2019, Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas hosted Every Queso Counts, benefitting Camp Hope and the PTSD Foundation of America. A total of $52,694.56 was raised for veterans suffering from PTSD.

Tex-Mex Legacy Foundation

July 3, 2019

On July 3, 2019 the Tex-Mex Legacy Foundation officially becomes a government recognized 501(c)(3) organization – established to serve the betterment of our local community.

History In The Making

July 22, 2019

On July 22, 2019, The Tex-Mex Legacy Foundation awards the first annual scholarships for the 2019 Fall semester. Thank you to our valued partners and guests who made this possible! Special recognition to Houston Avocado as our first donor.

Our Kitchens Fired Up A Hatch Chile Fiesta

October 1, 2019

Our kitchens fired up a Hatch Chile Fiesta, with new limited time Hatch Chile features from August 13th through September 30th.

St. Jude 2019

November 1, 2019

Guests purchased t-shirts, margarita, pin-up pumpkins, and contributed online totaling a donation of over $205,224 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

2019 People’s Choice Margarita

November 13, 2019

Gringo’s the Original’s bartender, Dan Temple, won People’s Choice Margarita for his La Canela Rita at the GHRA Annual Fall Cookout. His margarita featured Houston’s local Titanium Reposado Tequila, vanilla liqueur, fresh lime & cinnamon-infused syrup with a splash of bitters & served with fresh spices and a cinnamon & sugar rim.

#SaluteToService

November 18, 2019

Gringo’s served 1,500 complimentary meals for our military members, veterans & their families at the Houston Texans #SaluteToService Concert and Cookout.

A Night To Remember

January 25, 2020

Russell Ybarra was presented the President’s Award for his Conscious Capitalism work at the Greater Houston Restaurant Association (GHRA) Golden Fork Awards Gala. Managing partner, Joel Perkins, was also recognized and awarded the Restaurant Neighbor Award.

Gringo’s Breaks Ground in Katy

January 27, 2020

Gringo’s breaks ground on its 14th location, with a ground-up construction in Katy, TX. The newest Gringo’s will be located at Grand Parkway & I-10 W, next to Harris County BBQ. Anticipated to open late Summer 2020.

#TexMexForHeroes | Officer Wiley

February 18, 2020

In recognition of our “Tex-Mex for Heroes” event at Gringo’s Texas City, we were honored to present Officer Robert Wiley & his family with a check for $32,818.19 to help assist in his recovery from prostate cancer. Thank you to the Texas City community for making the day and donation possible by spending your dollar at Gringo’s! People over profits.

Cheers to #14!

November 10, 2020

Katy, we are open! Our 14th Gringo’s location is ready to serve the Katy community the best Tex-Mex & best Margaritas in Houston!

Giving Hope to Heros

December 2, 2020

We had the honor to present PTSD Foundation of America’s Camp Hope with a check for $130k. This donation helped contribute to hitting the million-dollar goal for the Mattress Mack & Michael Berry Million Dollar Campaign to benefit Camp Hope. In addition, the Team at Camp Hope needed a couple of vehicles, and Gringo’s & Jimmy Changas were able to donate two catering vans that were custom wrapped, complimentary of partner Mountain Graphics.

Gringo’s Survives a Pandemic!

March 18, 2021

It was a year we no one will ever forget, filled with unexpected trials and tribulations. However, we did everything we could to never close and continue serving hot, fresh Tex-Mex to you! Overnight we created curbside services for all locations, adapted to closed dining rooms and capacity restrictions, and we were able to keep every single one of our employees through it all. We also never had to close any of our locations. Thank YOU for your support during a crazy year!

Creating Their Legacy

August 6, 2021

These individuals each bring such a great work ethic to our company every day, and we are honored to be able to give back to them as they take on this next chapter in their lives. Our core value #3 is, “reinvesting in our Team Members and local communities”, and this is one of our favorite ways to do just that. We are so incredibly proud of each of them, and can’t wait to see what they accomplish!

RUSSELL TURNS 60!

August 27, 2021

For his 60th birthday, we raised $175,000 to donate on Russell’s behalf to PTSD Foundation of America‘s Camp Hope! We are so thankful for everyone who contributed to this incredible cause, it means the world to Russell, all of us, & everyone at Camp Hope.

Gringo’s Acquires Partner’s Five Units

October 11, 2021

Founder and owner, Russell Ybarra of Ybarra Franchising Group, has acquired Managing Partner and Franchisee Joel Perkins’ five Gringo’s Tex-Mex locations. The five locations being: The Woodlands, Champions, Spring, Cypress, and Fuqua. The merger will keep the Tex-Mex food franchise under the Gringo’s Corporation and will continue implementing its core values and commitment to reinvesting in their team members and the local community. For more information click here.

New Logo Reveal!

May 25, 2022

The new logo has recognizable features such as its similar shape, signature light bulbs, and iconic star, but with a more enhanced modern look and feel. “We think it’s confusingly similar, in the most positive way!” said Chief Marketing Officer, Heather McKeon. The new look allows the brand to finally trademark their identity and avoid other brands using the same, most replicated “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. For more information click here.

HOWDY! College Station

July 19, 2022

HOWDY! College Station, the wait is finally over! Gringo’s #12 opens its doors to the Aggie community and is beyond thrilled to provide the freshest Tex-Mex and best margaritas in town.

Pearland Little League | #RoadtoWilliamsport

August 16, 2022

We are honored to present a $40,000 donation to the Pearland Little League as they make their way to the Little League World Series. Thank you to Pearland and the surrounding communities for making this donation possible by choosing Gringo’s! #PeopleOverProfits

Celebrating #16!

November 7, 2023

Conroe, the wait is finally over! Gringo’s #16 opens its doors to the Conroe community and is beyond thrilled to provide the freshest Tex-Mex and best margaritas in town.

Bike Donation

December 9, 2023

We had the opportunity to spread holiday cheer by proudly donating 25 bikes and 100 goodie bags to kids in the community. We also deliciously catered food to over 150 individuals at the La Porte Community Civic Center Club.

Gringo’s Promotions!

January 11, 2024

On our 31st anniversary, we’d like to congratulate five team members and their new leadership promotions! They are part of the driving force behind our continued success along with other members of our team, and we are excited about what the future holds. Cheers to 2024!

Tex-Mex for Sherri Moody

January 29, 2024

Our hearts are overflowing with joy as we proudly donated $50,000 to support Sherri Moody! This amount was raised thanks to the incredible support of our beloved Gringo’s La Porte and Jimmy Changas Pasadena communities. We couldn’t have reached this without YOU!