Almacén El Gallo to bring the Spirit of Mexico’s Fondas and Cantinas to Downtown Fort Worth
January 20,2026
Reposted from Burciaga Hospitality Group.
Almacén El Gallo plans to open in early summer on the ground floor of the First on 7th building located at the western entrance to downtown Fort Worth at 500 West 7th Street. Within this landmark mid-century gem, Almacén El Gallo introduces a culinary experience rooted in memory,community, and Mexican cultural identity.
Founded by Adrian Burciaga and Martin Quirarte, Almacén El Gallo is inspired by their childhood memories of Mexico’s neighborhood fondas and old cantinas — places where neighbors gathered daily not only to eat, but to connect, celebrate, and share life. The concept honors food as both nourishment and social ritual, served with warmth, generosity, and purpose.
The interior design is led by Carlos Nuñez, whose Mexico-based firm collaborated closely with the owners to create a space that feels familiar, inviting, and timeless. La Lotería-inspired illustrations by Fernando R.Cervantes (@rojografito). Drawing from his own Mexican roots, Cervantes adds a warm, playful layer of vintage design and popular art La Lotería, the traditional Mexican game that captures the country’s popular culture through symbolic imagery. More than a game, La Lotería represents shared language, humor, and heritage across generations.
The culinary vision is crafted by acclaimed Mexican chef Rodrigo Rivera Río, co-founder of KOLI Cocina de Origen. Rivera Río is one of the leading voices in contemporary regional Mexican cuisine. Under his leadership, KOLI has earned Michelin Star recognition 2024, 2025 along with multiple national and international accolades, including nominations on Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants and Best Chef Excellence Awards 2024, 2025. His work is celebrated for its authenticity, technical excellence, and deep respect for local producers and regional traditions.
For Almacén El Gallo, Chef Rivera Río is creating a menu inspired by memory, territory, and tradition—serving the very best of Mexico through grilled meats, barbacoa, moles, adobos, stews, and broths that speak of regions, journeys, and skilled hands. The philosophy is clear: not to reinterpret for trends, but to do well what has always been done well in Mexico.
Designed for professionals at lunch and relaxed, meaningful dinners in the evenings, Almacén El Gallo offers a dining journey from north to south, from the mountains to the coast, from the cantina to the market, and from the fonda to home. Service, under Burciaga Hospitality Group, feels like family—present, warm, and intentional— encouraging good meals and real conversation. Almacén El Gallo celebrates Mexico at the table: authentic, honest, well made, and full of identity.
"Almacén El Gallo celebrates authentic, contemporary Mexican interior cuisine rooted in tradition and memory. It is a journey through Mexico, inspired by its fondas and cantinas —places where foodies cooked slowly, with memory, care, and tradition.”