Restaurant construction El Paso TX currently shows robust activity across multiple project types and geographic areas. Ground-up builds and tenant improvements are moving forward simultaneously throughout West, Northwest, and Far East sections of the city.
Recent projects demonstrate significant scale and investment, from a 3,906 square foot restaurant with outdoor patio and 45-space parking lot on Canyon Creek Ave to a 3,724 square foot steakhouse site on Montana Ave requiring full site work. Fast-casual concepts are also expanding, including a 6,250 square foot build at Montana Commons featuring double drive-thru lanes, while smaller beverage concepts with drive-through service continue gaining momentum across various neighborhoods.
What Types Of Projects And Scopes Are Moving Forward?
Current restaurant construction in El Paso spans several distinct project categories, each with unique scope requirements and construction approaches. We coordinate ground-up builds, tenant improvements, and specialized concepts across the region’s key development corridors.
Ground-Up New Construction
New restaurant builds vary significantly in size and complexity. A 3,906 square foot project at 7701 Canyon Creek Ave features kitchen facilities, public restrooms, and outdoor patio space with 45 parking spaces including two accessible stalls. The privately funded project carries an $880,000 construction value and runs from June 2025 through March 2026 under TABS registration 2025019960.
East El Paso hosts a larger ground-up steakhouse at 12237 Montana Ave near Loop 375. The 3,724 square foot building accommodates 247 diners and requires comprehensive site work including utilities, landscaping, parking lot construction, and dumpster enclosure installation. The $2.5 million project remains under city review.
Fast-Casual And Drive-Through Concepts
Montana Commons features a 6,250 square foot fast-casual restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating areas. The design incorporates double drive-thru lanes, dedicated pick-up shelving systems, and grab-and-go retail sections. These operational features require specialized traffic flow planning and kitchen equipment coordination.
A smaller beverage concept demonstrates focused scope management. The tea bar includes a 193 square foot cooler/freezer unit, single-lane drive-through configuration, and single-bay dumpster enclosure with completion scheduled for May 2026.
Tenant Improvement Projects
Existing space renovations often require different construction approaches than ground-up builds. A 2,610 square foot tenant improvement in El Paso focuses on exterior façade enhancements while preserving the existing dining area layout. This December 2025 completion project illustrates how we adapt scope to maintain operational continuity.
Mixed-Use Development
The proposed Boardwalk at the Outlet in Northwest El Paso integrates restaurant and retail spaces within a residential development. This mixed-use approach targets late 2026 or 2027 completion and requires coordination across multiple building types and uses.
Historical project data provides cost context for current builds. An Italian restaurant project bid at approximately $966,750 in 2019 establishes mid-range budget expectations for local restaurant construction.
How Do Texas Accessibility Rules Affect Restaurant Builds?
Texas restaurant construction projects operating under the Texas Accessibility Standards face specific compliance requirements that directly impact project schedules and coordination. The Canyon Creek Avenue project demonstrates this framework in practice, with 45 total parking spaces including 2 accessible spaces, properly registered with TDLR under TABS2025019960.
Restaurant owners must arrange for a Registered Accessibility Specialist inspection within one year of construction completion. The inspection request must be submitted in writing within 30 days after project completion, as outlined in 16 TAC §68.52. This regulation applies to all restaurant projects subject to TDLR oversight, including both ground-up construction and tenant improvements.
We coordinate RAS scheduling early in the construction process to avoid delays during final inspections. The 30-day written request window requires advance planning, particularly for projects with multiple accessibility elements like accessible parking, public restrooms, and accessible routes. Missing this deadline can result in administrative penalties and project delays.
Accessible parking calculations follow Texas Accessibility Standards requirements, typically requiring one accessible space per 25 total spaces, with additional van-accessible spaces for larger facilities. Restaurant projects must also account for accessible routes from parking to entrances, proper signage placement, and compliance verification before occupancy permits are issued.
What Site And Interior Features Are Shaping New Restaurants?
Drive-through infrastructure has evolved beyond single-lane systems. Double drive-thru lanes at Montana Commons demonstrate how fast-casual concepts are expanding service capacity, while dedicated pickup shelving provides distinct zones for mobile orders versus walk-in traffic. These dual-lane configurations require wider circulation areas and more complex traffic flow planning during design.
Outdoor programming has become integral to restaurant scopes. Patios extend dining capacity and provide flexible seating options, particularly valuable in El Paso’s climate. Public restrooms are now standard elements rather than afterthoughts, and defined dumpster enclosures with proper screening maintain site aesthetics while meeting operational needs.
Parking and seating ratios reflect diverse operational models. A 45-stall parking lot serves smaller builds, while larger concepts accommodate 247-person dining rooms. These capacity ranges signal different circulation requirements, egress planning needs, and site layout approaches. We coordinate parking counts with seating capacity early to ensure proper flow and accessibility compliance.
Interior finishes emphasize warmth and functionality. Warm wood ceilings and perforated wood panels create acoustic comfort while adding natural textures. Varied seating mixes accommodate different group sizes and dining preferences. Neon wayfinding elements like “Quick Serve” and “Full Serve” help guests navigate multi-concept spaces efficiently. Large windows capitalize on mountain views, connecting interior spaces to the surrounding landscape.
Site planning responds to desert conditions and utility access. Standalone buildings on large paved lots allow for flexible parking arrangements and future expansion. Drainage systems handle monsoon runoff patterns typical to the region. Landscaping elements soften hardscape areas while requiring minimal water maintenance. Utility coordination addresses electrical loads for kitchen equipment and drive-thru systems from the early design phases.
Where Are The Current Hubs And Timelines To Watch?
Montana Avenue near Loop 375 stands out as the most active restaurant development corridor in El Paso. This Far East intersection hosts multiple projects simultaneously, including the new Longhorn Steakhouse at 12237 Montana Avenue with 3,724 square feet and capacity for 247 diners. Olive Garden construction appears nearly complete at the same intersection, while additional dining concepts are planned for adjacent sites in District 5.
Montana Commons represents another significant fast-casual hub. The 6,250 square foot restaurant build incorporates double drive-thru lanes and is scheduled to open later this year. This location demonstrates how we coordinate multi-lane drive-through circulation with indoor-outdoor seating arrangements in newer commercial developments.
Canyon Creek Avenue in West El Paso features a substantial ground-up project. The 3,906 square foot restaurant with outdoor patio breaks ground on June 23, 2025, with completion targeted for March 16, 2026. We schedule this nine-month timeline to accommodate full site development including 45 parking spaces with accessible compliance.
The Cimarron area on the West Side shows emerging beverage-focused development. HTeaO plans a second El Paso location at 1550 North Resler Drive, incorporating a 193 square foot cooler/freezer, single-lane drive-through, and complete site work. Construction targets May 2026 completion for this specialized tea bar format.
Tenant improvement activity centers on East Gateway Boulevard. The 2,610 square foot project focuses on exterior façade enhancements while preserving most interior dining areas. December 2025 completion allows for streamlined renovation work without full kitchen reconstruction.
Northwest El Paso presents the longest-term restaurant opportunity. The Boardwalk at the Outlet mixed-use development near The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso targets late 2026 or 2027 completion. This 26-acre project combines over 300 residences with restaurants and retail, creating a comprehensive dining and entertainment district.
Conclusion And Next Steps
El Paso’s restaurant construction pipeline demonstrates solid activity across ground-up builds, tenant improvements, and drive-through concepts spanning key corridors like Montana Ave and the West Side. We coordinate these diverse project types by understanding the specific site requirements and accessibility compliance frameworks that define successful restaurant construction in this market. The current pipeline reflects a strategic mix of quick-service concepts with drive-thru capabilities and full-service dining establishments designed for El Paso’s growing population.
Use TDLR registrations to plan accessibility deliverables and schedule RAS inspections within the required timelines. For status and scope specifics, consult the city permit and licensing website and available project listings to track permit approvals and construction schedules. We align parking counts, drive-thru circulation, dumpster enclosures, and patio plans during the design phase to keep both schedules and budgets on track throughout the construction process.
Ready to move forward with your restaurant construction project in El Paso? Contact EB3 Construction to discuss how we can coordinate your next restaurant build from permits through completion.
