Lone Star Texas Grill has become one of Ontario’s most recognizable Tex-Mex chains, and the numbers behind its signature dish are sizeable.
The Ottawa-founded restaurant group says it served more than 1.2 million fajitas last year, a figure that highlights the ongoing popularity of its sizzling Tex-Mex staple.
The brand traces its roots back to 1986, when former CFL players Val Belcher and Larry Brune, both from Texas, opened the first Lone Star Café in Ottawa. The idea was to introduce the style of Tex-Mex dining they grew up with, including wood-fire grilled fajitas, fresh salsa and tortilla chips.
Nearly four decades later, the concept has expanded to 22 locations across Ontario, including several in the Ottawa area.
Fajitas remain the restaurant’s defining dish. The platters arrive at the table still sizzling on cast-iron skillets, typically served with grilled chicken or steak, flour tortillas and a selection of toppings and sauces.
Beyond fajitas, Lone Star’s menu focuses on Tex-Mex staples including tacos, ribs, steaks and margaritas. The restaurant’s casual, shareable dining style has helped make it a popular option for group meals and celebrations.
In a restaurant scene that continues to evolve with global cuisines and new dining concepts, Lone Star’s longevity reflects the staying power of familiar comfort food.
Nearly 40 years after opening its first location in Ottawa, the chain’s signature fajitas remain one of the most widely served Tex-Mex dishes in the province.
