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The Rio Grande group got its start in 1986 in Fort Collins, where college students came to rely on the incredibly strong margaritas — limit three per customer, and no revealing the secret recipe — and big plates of gringo Mexican fare. A seventh Rio just opened in Frisco — the first free-standing restaurant built by the homegrown chain.
See also: Pizzeria Locale Adds Two Pizzas, a New Salad Mix — and Soon a Second Denver Spot
This is also the Rio’s first new location in almost a decade; in addition to Fort Collins, it also has spots in Boulder, Greeley, Park Meadows, Steamboat Springs and the flagship in LoDo. The Frisco store is opening just in time to catch all that Summit County ski traffic, and the two big patios and fireplace should be almost as inviting as the margs.
“Frisco is at the epicenter of year-round recreation in Colorado — which is a huge part of our company culture,” says Rio founder and president Pat McGaughran. “The Rio is the ideal destination for people looking to reward themselves after playing hard in Colorado–whether it’s skiing, biking, hiking or enjoying time with family. This is part of what makes the Rio uniquely Colorado.”
The menu will feature many of the familiar Rio dishes — McGraughran gave the kitchen in all the stores an upgrade a few years ago — and there will also be a few items unique to this Frisco location. Just don’t try driving down I-70 after three of those margs.
Find more information all all the Rio Grande locations here.