El Chino: A Unique Buffet Experience in Tyler, Texas

Tyler, TX – August 1, 2025 — A new kind of buffet experience is coming to East Texas. El Chino, a Chinese & Tex-Mex fusion restaurant, will open this fall in the former Red Lobster location at 1500 W Southwest Loop 323 in Tyler. The restaurant is the creation of Jimmy Lu, the acclaimed owner of Ohayo Sushi and a respected figure in Tyler’s dining scene.

More Than Just a Buffet — A New Standard

El Chino is designed to break the mold of the traditional buffet. Guests can expect a mix of rotating buffet favorites and made-to-order specialty menu items at select pricing. While the final menu is still in development, the goal is clear: deliver the best of both Chinese and Tex-Mex cuisines—both separately and fused—while maintaining a level of quality rarely seen in buffet dining.

“We’re not cutting corners,” says Jimmy. “We’re setting a new standard for what a buffet can be. That means quality ingredients, recipes made from scratch, and an experience that feels intentional—not just endless.”

Fresh, Homemade, and Thoughtfully Crafted

At El Chino, the emphasis is on:

• Fresh, homemade ingredients

• Thoughtfully curated recipes

• Balanced value with uncompromised quality

  
  

This hybrid approach ensures diners can enjoy variety without sacrificing flavor or freshness.

About the Owner – Jimmy Lu

Jimmy Lu is best known for launching Ohayo Sushi, one of Tyler’s most talked-about restaurants, and for helping grow Liang’s Chinese Restaurant, a local dining staple. With El Chino, Jimmy brings his signature blend of consistency, innovation, and guest-focused service into a new culinary space—one that blends cultural traditions with modern dining expectations.

“El Chino has been a dream in the making,” Jimmy shares. “Tyler is ready for something fresh—something that celebrates Chinese and Tex-Mex cuisine with our own spin.”

Coming Fall 2025

El Chino is scheduled to open this fall. Leading up to opening day, guests can look forward to:

• Sneak peeks of the space

• Behind-the-scenes progress updates

• Soft opening event announcements

• Invite-only preview nights

• Community giveaways

  
  

Follow the Journey

Stay connected for updates, VIP tasting announcements, and opening celebrations:

📍 Location: 1500 W Southwest Loop 323, Tyler, TX

💻 Website: elchinos.com (coming soon)

The Fusion of Flavors

At El Chino, we’re excited to bring together the best of Chinese and Tex-Mex cuisines. Imagine savoring spicy Sichuan chicken alongside cheesy quesadillas. This fusion creates a vibrant dining experience that caters to diverse tastes. We aim to surprise and delight every palate.

A Family-Friendly Atmosphere

We understand the importance of family dining. El Chino will offer a welcoming environment for families, casual diners, and takeout customers. Our buffet will feature kid-friendly options, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied. We want every visit to feel like a special occasion.

Signature Drinks and Margaritas

No dining experience is complete without a refreshing drink. At El Chino, we’ll serve up our famous margaritas, crafted with care. Whether you prefer classic lime or a fruity twist, we have something for everyone. Our drink menu will complement the unique flavors of our dishes.

Community Engagement

El Chino is committed to being an active part of the Tyler community. We plan to host events, collaborate with local businesses, and support community initiatives. We believe in giving back and creating lasting relationships with our neighbors.

Join Us on This Exciting Journey

As we prepare for our grand opening, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. Follow us on social media for sneak peeks, updates, and exclusive offers. We can’t wait to welcome you to El Chino, where every meal is a celebration of flavor and culture!