McKinney’s late-night food scene is getting a new player in 2026. Zalat Pizza plans to open a shop this summer at 1720 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 210, a move the Dallas-born chain says will mark its 31st Texas location. The pizzeria, known for staying open late and leaning into delivery, is setting up along the busy North Central Expressway corridor.
The expansion was announced in a company release and reported by Community Impact, which lists the address and notes the store is slated to debut in summer 2026. In the announcement, founder and CEO Khanh Nguyen called McKinney “a natural fit” for the brand, pointing to the city’s growth and dining culture.
What to Know About the Menu
Launched in Dallas in 2015, Zalat has grown quickly, according to The Dallas Morning News. The chain leans into specialty pizzas with bold flavor combinations. Its online menu highlights signature pies such as the Pho Shizzle, Pineapple Express, Sweet Revenge and the Loaded Notato, per Zalat.
Zalat currently lists 30 Texas locations across the Dallas Fort Worth area, Austin and Houston. If the McKinney shop opens on schedule, it would become the company’s 31st outpost in the state.
Why McKinney?
McKinney has been one of the faster growing cities in North Texas in recent years, and restaurant groups have noticed. U.S. Census Bureau estimates show notable population gains since 2020, creating more potential customers and a larger daytime workforce. That growth, combined with nearby retail corridors, helps explain why delivery-focused and late-night concepts are looking to plant a flag here.
Jobs and Late-Night Appeal
Hiring appears to be underway. A recent posting for a McKinney general manager role is listed on LinkedIn. Community Impact also highlighted Zalat’s late-night hours as part of the pitch to McKinney diners, although the company has not yet shared a specific grand opening date.
If the McKinney restaurant opens this summer as planned, it will be another example of a Dallas-born brand following North Texas growth into the suburbs. We will update this story when Zalat announces an opening date or holds a ribbon cutting.
