Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Restaurant Partner in Dallas, TX
Founded in 1998, we are a full-service restaurant company dedicated to enriching lives through exceptional food, excellent service, and extraordinary people. Our portfolio includes seven restaurant brands operating across the United States and internationally in the UAE, with plans for further expansion. Our founder, John D. Harkey, Jr., a fifth-generation Texas rancher and Stanford MBA graduate, established Consolidated Restaurant Operations (CRO) by acquiring El Chico in the late 1990s. Under his leadership, we introduced El Chico and Cantina Laredo to the Middle East in 2007 while expanding domestically.We prioritize customer satisfaction and brand integrity, employing thousands globally and fostering a franchise community of entrepreneurs passionate about serving their local markets. Our commitment to quality extends to our catering services, which offer customized menus for events of all sizes, and our VIP mobile club, which connects guests with exclusive offers and experiences. As a leader in the restaurant industry, we maintain a focus on innovation, community impact, and sustainable growth.
Services
III Forks Steakhouse
Cantina Laredo
El Chico Tex-Mex
Catering Services
Franchising
Silver Fox Steakhouse
Luckys Cafe
Cool River Restaurant
Black Oak Grill
Good Eats Catering
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We have over 25 years of experience in multi-brand restaurant operations.
- Our franchise model combines proven success with entrepreneurial flexibility.
- We operate in diverse markets across the U.S. and internationally.
- Our catering services offer customizable menus for events of all sizes.
- Our team includes award-winning chefs and hospitality professionals.
Services
Franchising
We offer franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to own and operate restaurants under our established brands. Our franchisees gain access to proven business models, comprehensive training, and ongoing operational support. With decades of industry experience, we provide guidance on site selection, menu development, and marketing strategies to ensure success in diverse markets.
Catering
Our catering services create customized dining experiences for events ranging from intimate family gatherings to large weddings. Clients can choose from exclusive holiday menus or collaborate with our chefs to design personalized offerings. We offer flexible service options including drop-off plans and full-service packages with equipment and staffing.
Restaurant Operations
We operate seven distinct restaurant brands spanning quick-casual to upscale dining experiences. Our portfolio includes destination steakhouses, authentic Mexican cuisine, and modern farm-to-table diners. Each concept emphasizes quality ingredients, innovative menus, and exceptional service tailored to local markets across the U.S. and internationally.
People
John D. Harkey, Jr.
Founder
Fifth-generation Texas rancher and Stanford MBA graduate who founded CRO in 1998. Expanded El Chico and Cantina Laredo internationally while maintaining domestic growth. Recognized as a leading North Texas restaurateur with decades of industry expertise.
Questions
How can I invest in a CRO franchise?
Contact us to discuss franchise opportunities. We require $250,000 initial liquid capital and $1 million net worth, plus restaurant industry experience.
Do you offer catering services for private events?
Yes, we provide customized catering for events of all sizes with options ranging from drop-off plans to full-service packages.
Where are CRO restaurants located?
Our brands operate across the U.S., UAE, and will soon open in Qatar. Locations include Dallas, Fort Worth, Abu Dhabi, and more.
What restaurant concepts do you operate?
We offer diverse dining experiences including III Forks steakhouse, Cantina Laredo Mexican cuisine, El Chico Tex-Mex, and Luckys Cafe farm-to-table diner.
