Changes at Chído Taco Lounge
Chído Taco Lounge’s restaurants in Frisco and Dallas are getting new names and menus.
The Frisco restaurant made the switch to Casa Alma Restaurante Mexicano on March 7, 2025.
The Dallas restaurant — which has been open less than a year at Walnut Hill Lane and North Central Expressway — is expected to switch over in May 2025. Its name will be Ella Dine + Drinks.
“We felt like it was time for a change,” founder Blaine McGowan said of both restaurants.
Restaurant News
The new Casa Alma Restaurante Mexicano in Frisco (formerly Chido Taco Lounge) is brighter after a redesign by Coeval Studio. (Karlie Deitrick)
Changes in Frisco
In Frisco, the restaurant on Lebanon Road has already been redesigned by Coeval Studio. While the restaurant will remain a taco shop, the new menu calls for more snacks like ceviche and more entrees like glazed salmon and a pork chop. There’s also a smashburger with bacon-chile jam.
Francisco Guerrero, formerly of Ida Claire, is the chef.
Changes in Dallas
Less is known about Ella in Dallas. Kyle Farr, previously from Boulevardier and Sachet in Dallas, will create the menu with New American food. Plan B will redesign the restaurant, which had big portraits of sugar skulls on the walls.
Julian Shaffer, shown at the 2024 Michelin awards ceremony in Houston, has been hired as beverage director and general manager for new Dallas restaurant Ella.(Shafkat Anowar / Staff Photographer)
New Team Members
McGowan hired Julian Shaffer as beverage director and general manager for the Dallas restaurant. Shaffer scored a rare award at Texas’ recent Michelin ceremony for his Exceptional Cocktails at East Dallas restaurant Rye.
Cocktail enthusiasts might want to keep an eye on whatever Shaffer is mixing up.
What Remains the Same
Notably, the tiny tequila bar on the second floor of Chído in Dallas, called Customs, will remain untouched. When it launched in 2024, McGowan called it his “baby” — a hub for agave dinners and pricey pours of the good stuff.
Locations
Casa Alma Restaurante Mexicano, formerly Chído Taco Lounge, is at 6959 Lebanon Road, Frisco.
The Dallas Chído Taco Lounge, at 7949 Walnut Hill Lane, will make the switch to Ella Dine + Drinks in May 2025. Customs, a cocktail bar, remains on the second floor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the changes at Chído Taco Lounge are an exciting development for foodies in Frisco and Dallas. With new names, menus, and team members, these restaurants are sure to offer a fresh and unique dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for tacos, New American food, or craft cocktails, there’s something for everyone at these revamped restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the new names of the Chído Taco Lounge restaurants in Frisco and Dallas?
A: The Frisco restaurant is now called Casa Alma Restaurante Mexicano, and the Dallas restaurant will be called Ella Dine + Drinks.
Q: What kind of food will the new restaurants serve?
A: Casa Alma Restaurante Mexicano will serve tacos and other Mexican dishes, while Ella Dine + Drinks will serve New American food.
Q: Will the tequila bar on the second floor of the Dallas restaurant remain the same?
A: Yes, the tiny tequila bar called Customs will remain untouched and continue to offer agave dinners and craft cocktails.
Q: Who are the new team members at the restaurants?
A: Francisco Guerrero is the chef at Casa Alma Restaurante Mexicano, and Julian Shaffer is the beverage director and general manager at Ella Dine + Drinks.
