Grumps Burgers Brings Texas Flavor to Early: Meet Your New Neighbors, the Martinez Family

Announcement Date: March 20, 2026

Big news is coming to Early, Texas this summer! Grumps Burgers is excited to announce its newest franchise location, set to open in Early, TX in Summer 2026. This expansion marks another milestone for the beloved Texas-born burger brand, and we couldn’t be more thrilled about the family bringing Grumps to this vibrant community.

Meet the Martinez Family

We are proud to introduce Eric and Mackenzie Martinez, along with their children Camilla and Mac, as the newest members of the Grumps family. Their journey to franchise ownership is a story of passion, community commitment, and a genuine love for what Grumps represents.

Their Grumps Love Story

Eric and Mackenzie’s connection to Grumps runs deep. Both graduates of Tarleton State University, they first fell in love with Grumps Burgers at the Stephenville location during their college years. After getting married six years ago, they spent their early married life in the DFW area, where they became regulars at the Burleson Grumps location.

When the couple moved to Early, Texas in May 2022, something was missing. “We quickly realized how much we missed Grumps,” Mackenzie shares. “We would always say, ‘Wouldn’t it be awesome if there was one here?’”

That dream is now becoming a reality.

Building a Legacy

For Eric and Mackenzie, franchise ownership represents more than just a business opportunity—it’s about creating something meaningful for their family and community.

“Eric and I have always known we wanted to be business owners—it was just a matter of when and what that business would be,” explains Mackenzie. “Building something meaningful and leaving a legacy for our children has always been important to us.”

In 2025, when they began exploring franchise opportunities to bring to their community, they kept finding themselves drawn back to Grumps. The decision became clear after their first meeting with the founder and his team.

Why the Martinez Family Chose Grumps

Several factors made Grumps the perfect fit for the Martinez family:

Texas Roots Matter – “Having a Texas-owned and operated business, where we work directly with the founder and his team, was incredibly important to us,” says Mackenzie.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere – “Grumps offers everything we love: a welcoming, family-oriented atmosphere, delicious food, and the convenience of ordering at the counter—something we especially appreciate with two young kids who can’t sit through a long restaurant experience.”

Community Connection – “What we love most about Grumps is the small-town, family feel. Each location reflects the community it serves, while still offering the same simple, dependable menu that ensures hot, fresh food every time.”

Aligned Values – After their first meeting with the owner and his team, the Martinezes knew bringing the next Grumps location to their community was the right decision.

Why Early, Texas?

Early, Texas is the perfect location for Grumps’ next chapter. This growing community has shown tremendous support for local businesses, and the City of Early has been in

credibly welcoming and collaborative throughout the process.

The new Grumps location will move into a second-generation restaurant space—Grumps’ sweet spot for efficient buildouts and faster openings. This approach allows the Martinez family to focus on what matters most: creating an exceptional dining experience for their neighbors.

What to Expect

When the Early location opens this summer, guests can look forward to:

  • The Classic Grumps Menu – Hot, fresh burgers made to order with that signature Grumps taste
  • Counter Service Convenience – Perfect for families on the go
  • Community-Focused Atmosphere – A space that reflects Early’s unique character while maintaining the Grumps tradition
  • Texas Hospitality – Served up by a family that truly cares about their community

A Bright Future Ahead

“We are excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve and grow alongside our community,” the Martinez family shares.

As Grumps continues to expand across Texas, each new location strengthens the brand’s commitment to bringing quality food and genuine hospitality to communities that value both. The Early location represents not just another restaurant opening, but the beginning of a long-term partnership between a passionate family and the community they call home.

Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses and the grand opening approaches. Follow Grumps on Facebook for the official announcement on Friday, March 20th, and be among the first to celebrate this exciting news!

About Grumps Burgers

Grumps Burgers is a Texas-owned and operated restaurant chain known for its fresh, made-to-order burgers, family-friendly atmosphere, and strong community connections. Each location maintains the brand’s commitment to quality while reflecting the unique character of the community it serves.

Coming Summer 2026 to Early, Texas

Welcome to the Grumps family, Martinez family! Early, get ready for something special.