That reminds me of Panchos Mexican Buffet. They were scattered around Texas when I was a kid I thought they were great. Found one in Tulsa about 12yrs ago and it was horrible. I'm pretty sure it shut down 8 or 9yrs back.
Being a former Texas boy, we ate at a Dallas location and it was good, 30+ years ago, now it's as you said.. The wife and I where in Tulsa and ate at a Mexican place that was said to be good and I'll say them folks have screwed up taste buds, it was yuck..