Owners John and Kim McBride. Photo by Jessica Turner.
El Vecino is in its fifth year of business, a milestone the restaurant is celebrating for a whole year.
John and Kim McBride opened El Vecino in October 2017, making the restaurant’s fifth anniversary in October 2022.
The “cheers to five years” celebration will last until the fall, Kim McBride said.
El Vecino translates to “the neighbor,” a name that directly reflects the intent of the owners.
“The reason we chose the location was there are very few areas in Dallas that have the ‘neighborhood’ feel as we have at Buckner and Northcliff,” John McBride said.
John McBride is the great-grandson of Miguel Martinez, the founder of El Fenix. Although the family sold the business in 2008, John grew up watching the family business thrive.
“I knew first hand how loyal the community was to that store,” he said, referring to the Casa Linda location of El Fenix.
John also opened The Lot in 2013. His close friend and chef, Carlos “Charley” Cid, has been with him since 1991 and has worked with him at The Lot and El Vecino.
“I … have a team of employees who have been with me for years … who take great care of the restaurant when I am away. I think our guests are always in good hands,” John stated.
Surrounded by Dallas attractions such as the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake, the El Vecino spot is nestled in a busy area.
“Our restaurant is a place that is filled each day with local guests — our neighbors — and guests who are visiting the area. It makes for a fun and exciting environment,” John McBride said.
With El Vecino being such a popular spot in East Dallas, the question of other locations opening is only natural. However, the McBrides have no intention of opening any new restaurants.
“We hope to be here for many more years to come, but after 40 years in this crazy business, we are done opening new places,” John said. “We want to continue to devote 100% of our time and energy to taking care of our neighbors in East Dallas.”
El Vecino is located at 718 N. Buckner Blvd.
