Rick’s Chophouse, the historic downtown square’s newest resident, hosted a charity fundraiser to celebrate its grand opening Thursday night.
“We had more than 500 here last night. I don’t have the exact count yet today,” said Christy Curtis, director of sales and marketing for Rick’s.
The grand opening Thursday was a benefit with proceeds going to Love Life Foundation, the Samaritan Inn and McKinney Main Street.

On the downstairs level, guests sampled the cuisine of the chophouse in a rustic burgundy leather and mahogany décor featuring 100-year-old limestone walls. Framed photographs depicting McKinney’s historical downtown hang along the hallway from the lobby to the wine room and back into the grand lounge.

Guests snacked on cheese and fruit while they sampled wines in the wine room and relaxed in the adjoining library, then nibbled on appetizers while mingling on leather sofas and chairs in the lounge. North Texas singer-songwriter Charlie Rapier entertained the guests, alternating sets between the lounge’s baby grand piano and his acoustic guitar.

Upstairs, guests were treated to dessert and champagne in the Grand Ballroom. Jazz combo Ricki Dereck and the Vegas 6 provided accompaniment for anyone wanting to take a twirl on the mahogany dance floor.

“We hope to host tons of events in the ballroom. It’s perfect for parties, corporate events, and wedding receptions” Curtis said.

The next phase in the development of Rick’s Chophouse will be the June 1 opening of the Grand Hotel featuring 14 boutique rooms. Although the hotel portion of the establishment has not yet opened, its first guests have already purchased a lodging package via an auction item at an April 21 event benefiting Lovejoy schools.

“At Denim and Diamonds, we had a weekend get-away package that included dinner for six, three rooms for one evening at the Grand Hotel and an Essence of Eve spa package for three,” Curtis said. “We were so excited – it went for $5,500!”