Urban Rio Cantina & Grill

About the Business

Specialties

Urban Rio's exciting flavors are influenced by both sides of the Rio Grande River. Our executive chef, Salvatore Gisellu, uses only the freshest and most authentic ingredients to make his dishes among the best in town. We make our core offerings from scratch, using ingredients like hand-ground masa for tortillas and tamales and fresh-muddled fruit for the most flavorful cocktails in North Texas!

History

Established in 2012.

After bringing an original wood-fired pizza concept, Urban Crust, to the area in 2009, owners Bonnie and Nathan Shea purchased the Old Downtown Plano Ice House at 1000 E. 14th Street (one block south of Urban Crust) and began envisioning a "sister" concept for the area. Urban Rio means "the river of the city." We adopted the name because of the restaurant's location just east of what is now the DART rail in Downtown Plano. This same thoroughfare was once the Texas Electric Railway, which is why it is known as the "Steel River" of Plano. For diners looking for a restaurant that offers a fun night out with their family and friends, Urban Rio offers Next-Mex--a refreshing and inspired chef-driven menu highlighting a celebration of both sides of the Rio Grande Valley through cuisine, cocktails and coolness.

Meet the Business Owner

Business owner information

Nathan S.

Business Owner

​After opening the wildly successful Urban Crust in 2009, Bonnie and Nathan got the itch to open another restaurant and purchased the original Plano Ice House. After redeveloping the building, they opened Urban Rio in 2012. Longtime residents of the area, the Sheas are advocates to downtown Plano. They are actively involved with area nonprofits, including service on boards of directors, events, sponsorships and in-kind support through their restaurants.