LOVELAND, Colo. — The Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant, which has been in Fort Collins since 1986, is making its way to Loveland, with its first location there expected to open in the first quarter of 2027.
Founded by Pat McGaughran and brothers Andre and Stephen Mouton, the Rio is known for its Tex-Mex fare inspired by McGaughran’s upbringing in Texas, as well as the trio’s travels in a van through Northern Mexico and the Yucatan, according to the restaurant’s website.
McGaughran eventually settled in Fort Collins after those travels, where the original Old Town location took root and grew in popularity. The restaurant has since expanded to multiple locations across Colorado, including in Boulder, Lone Tree and Denver…