Discover Hillsboro, Texas: A Hidden Gem for Homebuyers

Hillsboro’s restaurant boom 

what’s new (and why you should care)

Hillsboro is no longer just a highway stop. Recent redevelopment and filings show several big-name and local restaurants either opening now or planned for the next year, which means more dining options, more jobs, and more foot traffic (great news for local home values and neighborhood life).

What’s coming (quick list)

• Panda Express -Ground-up construction is registered and set to start summer 2025 with an early-2026 opening planned for the I-35/Old Brandon Rd area. This is part of the new redevelopment of the old Outlets at Hillsboro. Texas Licensing and Regulation+1

• Chili’s - A full-service Chili’s is included in the outlet-site redevelopment; TDLR project records and city updates show this as a new construction project aimed to open in 2026. Texas Licensing and Regulation+1

• Waffle House - Named as one of the pad-site prospects for the Outlets redevelopment (timeline TBD, but included in the Phase I pad-site announcements). https://www.kwtx.com+1

• Chick-fil-A -Separate filing shows a new Chick-fil-A project in Hillsboro (I-35 service road area) with a multi-million dollar build and an estimated completion in 2026. This is another sign the town is attracting regional chains. Texas Licensing and Regulation+1

• Taqueria Taxco (local) - A new Taqueria Taxco location has opened at 203 NE I-35 Service Rd, a 24/7 taco spot that’s already active on local listings and social pages. (Perfect for late-night cravings.) Taqueria Taxco+1

Hillsboro’s dining scene is on the move  and these openings are the kind of neighborhood upgrades that change the daily rhythm of a town . Keep an eye out with the demo of the Outlet Mall big things are coming!