When most people think of Texan food, they probably think of barbecue and Tex Mex. But that's not all the Lone Star State has to offer. Some of the biggest players in Texas' food scene include high-end steakhouses and chains offering regional cuisines from all over the globe.
In just the last six months, several Texas-based restaurants have expanded westward with debut locations in Arizona. One of the biggest was, naturally, a massive convenience store known for brisket and jerky. But other newcomers to the Valley from Texas included a neighborhood Italian restaurant and a steakhouse famous for its massive pork chop.
Here are three Texas-based eateries that recently debuted locations in Arizona.
Buc-ee's
Buc-ee's opened its first Arizona location in Goodyear
in June 2026. Over a thousand people were lined up before the doors opened at 6 a.m. At the ribbon-cutting, Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs compared the travel center to the Grand Canyon, calling it a new landmark.
The Texas-based gas station and travel center is known for its beaver logo, clean bathrooms, and most importantly, the huge lineup of food, which is said to blow most other gas station food out of the water. Options include chopped brisket, Carolina pulled pork, a three-meat sandwich, a Texas cheesesteak burrito, chocolate fudge and an entire wall of beef jerky.
Good news for Buc-ee's superfans: Buc-ee’s CEO and co-founder Arch “Beaver” Aplin III is rumored to be considering bringing a second location to Arizona.
Details: 1001 N. Bullard Ave., Goodyear. buc-ees.com.
Il Bracco
Il Bracco, a "neighborhood" Italian restaurant with locations in Dallas and Houston, opened its third location and first in Arizona on Scottsdale Road in March 2026.
Some standout menu items include bolognese with house made beef, pork and lamb ragu; "The Plaza" roasted chicken salad; a hefty serving of seared jumbo scallops; "single layer" lasagna; a cheeseburger with house ground chuck; steaks that Chief Operating Officer Matt Gottlieb said "rival any steakhouse" and a tiramisu made using Cartel Coffee.
Details: 6160 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale. ilbraccorestaurant.com.
Perry's Steakhouse
Texas-based Perry's Steakhouse opened its first Arizona location in Gilbert in June.
The restaurant first opened in Houston in 1979 as a butcher shop and deli. The concept grew into a luxury steakhouse with close to 20 restaurants in 10 states. Menu highlights include Texas Akaushi Wagyu steak, seafood entrees and their famous giant "seven fingers high" pork chop.
Details: 1835 S. Santan Village Parkway, Gilbert. perryssteakhouse.com.
Reach the reporter at eddie.fontanez@azcentral.com. Follow @ERFontanez on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These big, splashy Texas restaurants have landed in Arizona
