Jimmy Changa’s, which specializes in “Authentic Mexican Food,” is coming to Pearland this summer.
The chain, which currently has locations in Katy, League City and Pasadena, will be located at 3515 Business Center Dr. The site is marked by a sign with “Jimmy Changa,” a little, brown monkey, smiling at passers-by.
The franchise, which is already five years old, is part of the Gringo’s family, which celebrated 23 years in business in January.
Jimmy Changa’s began in 2011 because Gringo’s owner, Russell Ybarra, had so many ideas that he wanted to try, but didn’t want to mess up Gringo’s “well-oiled machine,” said VP of Marketing Heather McKeon.
“A restaurant location came up for sale in Pasadena at a good price,” said McKeon. “It was the right time for us to explore what else we could do, so the first Jimmy Changa’s opened that year, and it has grown and flourished ever since.”
Jimmy Changa’s uses tried-and-true recipes from Gringo’s, but offers a different menu and adds a little difference to some of the old favorites, such as the Mexican rice. They also make their tortilla chips in-house and offer rotisserie chicken cooked all day on Jimmy Changa’s giant rotisserie. A larger salad menu, such as the Shrimp and Mango Tostada Salad, is offered.
Jimmy Changa’s will keep some old favorites, such as free ice cream, but will add new amenities, such as a kids’ playground and Jimmy Changa’s merchandise.
“The guest is the backbone of our business,” said McKeon. “We want to keep what our customer base loves about Gringo’s, but make it different enough so that you know you’re not eating at Gringo’s.”
The Pearland Jimmy Changa’s location is expected to open in July. To view the menu, merchandise or to download a Jimmy Changa’s coloring book, visit FreshMexFun.com.
