Paul Qui, Still Awaiting Trial, Will Open a DFW Restaurant

As he awaits trial on domestic violence charges, Paul Qui is planning to open a “Japanese-style taqueria” in Richardson called Tacqui.

A Facebook page for the restaurant indicates that it will open at 744 South Central Expressway in Richardson. Tacqui will join the line-up of restaurants at the Richardson Restaurant Park development, like Dog Haus, Even Stevens, and The Halal Guys. Both Facebook and Instagram accounts for the restaurant describe it as a Japanese-influenced taqueria, but details on its menu are scarce at present.

Qui has not officially announced the restaurant, but did post a photo of a mural painted for Tacqui by an Austin-based artist to his personal Instagram account. He’s likely trying to avoid the controversy that has swirled around the chef in Austin and Houston, as he is still facing domestic violence charges. Those stem from a 2016 assault during which Qui allegedly beat and bloodied his girlfriend in front of her child. Qui is set to head to court on those charges, which likely kept his much-lauded Houston restaurant Aqui out of the 2018 James Beard Awards, on May 1.

At present, it looks like Tacqui will make its Richardson debut sometime in March. Eater has reached out for more details on the restaurant. Stay tuned for any new developments. In the meantime, see below for a sneak peek of the space.

• Chef Paul Qui Arrested on Assault Charges [EATX]
• Paul Qui’s Domestic Violence Charges Likely Kept Aqui Out of This Year’s James Beard Awards [EHOU]
• Paul Qui Earns Four Stars for Aqui While Awaiting Trial on Domestic Violence Charges [EHOU]