In 1990 a man named Mark Wright wanted to open a small bar and restaurant in south Arlington. Mark being one of the owners of the Lone Star Oyster Bar chain had a great deal of experience in openings. He decided to open a place called No Frills Grill. Mark started out with a small bar and restaurant that was only 20 feet wide and 70 feet long. An old sandwich counter was converted into a bar just big enough to seat 10 people. The floors were concrete as they still are today. Mark covered the ceilings with sheets of tin that had once been trailer house skirting and those are still covering the original ceiling. The walls were painted with everything from a pack of Lucky Strikes to beach scenes. He also hung just about anything he could find on the walls from a Jack-a-Lope to a picture of three Hispanic men. Many of these items still hang on the walls of the original portion of the restaurant. After just a few months Mark expanded into the space next door. A room was cut out for a couple of pool tables and dart machines. Then a patio was created in the back. Staying with the No Frills theme some posts were put out there and an old Army Surplus Parachute hung over it. The tables had rolls of paper towels and paper bag menus, much like today.

After about a year in business Mark sold No Frills to Bill and Lynetta Thomas. Bill and Lynetta took over and began by adding more televisions in the dinning room and poolroom. They added the first satellite system and began turning No Frills into more of a sports bar. They also continued to become more and more of a neighborhood icon. After about three years Bill and Lynetta were ready for a change. Lynette's family had founded Taco Casa, so they decided to move to Kerrville and open their own Taco Casa. In January of 1995 they sold No Frills to Gregg and Nancy Wilkinson and moved to Kerrville, where they still are today.

Gregg and Nancy started by getting to know everyone they could in the neighborhood. Then they began expanding No Frills by adding more televisions, more satellites, and much more room. In November of 1995, 1800 square feet was added, along with 30 more televisions, 10 satellites, NTN Trivia and a lot more sports action. In April 2001 the once open air patio was greatly enlarged and enclosed, this gave a perfect area for large private parties. The menu was not left behind, just like everything else; it was expanded more and more each year, adding many new entrées. No Frills is about to undergo additional renovations in the up coming weeks, adding even more enjoyment for our customers.