As legacy Tex-Mex restaurants shutter their doors and Korean barbecue spots emerge across major American cities, an industry expert said the shift reflects changing consumer tastes rather than the decline of the cuisine."Tex Mex is a long-established American comfort food category — bold flavors, shareable, and often affordable or fast-casual," David Henkes, senior principal and head of strategic partnerships for Chicago-based food service consultant firm Technomic, told Fox News Digital."Korean barbecue is more interactive, premium-feeling and social," he went on."It's exploding in popularity due to K-pop influence, social media shareability and demand for bold Asian flavors."CHI-CHI'S ICONIC MEXICAN CHAIN RETURNING WITH CHIMICHANGAS, DEEP-FRIED ICE CREAMWhile Korean barbecue restaurants are rapidly expanding, Henkes said the trend does not necessarily mean consumers are abandoning Tex-Mex."Tex-Mex has deeper penetration and mainstream roots, while Korean barbecue is probably newer and a bit trendier right now," he said.Korean barbecue is exploding in popularity as South Korea's cultural influence spreads, with the help of social media showing the country's food and other traditions.
(iStock)On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina filed for bankruptcy protection last year, and Houston-based Pappas Restaurants bought the chain. A menu overhaul and rebranding effort were not enough to revive On the Border, as Pappas recently announced that it has closed all company-owned locations, although a handful of franchises will remain open."Casual dining more broadly is in a funk."Meanwhile, in Portage, Michigan, south of Kalamazoo, local reports say a closed-down Moe's Southwest Grill has been replaced by K-upBop Laboratory, a Korean barbecue bowl restaurant.Similar developments have been reported elsewhere, with new Korean barbecue concepts opening in cities ranging from Houston and San Antonio to Orlando, Tampa and Miami.CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIESConsumer...