Lufkin’s Patron Grill: Mexican Food Takes Over Red Lobster

The Red Lobster location in front of the Lufkin Mall got a name change. The outside of the building will remain unchanged, but the name now reads Patron Grill.

Much like the Applebee's in Lufkin turned into El Mariachi Mexican Grill & Bar in 2021, now what was once a large national chain will be a thriving local Mexican food restaurant.

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The name made me think that it could be the same owners from Patron Grill in Livingston, Texas. They have been at their location for 10 years, so they must be doing something right.

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Though I have experienced this in the past, many Mexican food restaurants have the same names and don't care about copyrights, so it could just be a coincidence (it's not).

I haven't seen much chatter about it in the community, and the name just went up yesterday. Months ago, there was talk that the owners of El Mariachi bought the location.

The Owners Of El Mariachi Also Own Patron Grill in Livingston

I also have sources that tell me that the same owners control both these concepts. Now they will control both sides of the road at the largest intersection in Lufkin.

There is also a rumor that they wanted the larger location to host more parties during the holidays. I have eaten at El Mariachi in Lufkin and heard many people in Lufkin say they drive to Livingston to Patron Grill.

They also rave about how nice the owners are. Sounds like a delicious I 69/HWY 59/Loop 287 decision for Lufkin.