El Chino Buffet to Bring Bold Chinese & Tex-Mex Fusion to Tyler, TX

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)