A new addition to the El Paso restaurant scene appears to be getting closer to fruition. Johnny Rockets could be headed to Mesa Street near the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP).In July of 2015, an announcement was made that Johnny Rockets had agreed to a deal with Cruzar Group, LLC, to bring their brand to El Paso and the surrounding region. Up until now, the location of their first restaurant was unknown.
However, a permit has been requested from the City of El Paso for a new commercial building at 2119 N. Mesa Street by the Cruzar Group with a project name of "Johnny Rockets."
The application with the city is for a 1,750 square foot building. It may also include a 342 square foot patio area, according to a Planning & Inspections Department meeting that took place in the fall. Johnny Rockets restaurants can range from 800 to 3,000 square feet, according to its website,
The long vacant corner at the intersection of University and Mesa Street, which was once the location of a Chevron gas station, should offer high visibility to passing motorists and also has a close proximity to UTEP which should draw in students and faculty.
 |
| This rendering shows what a Route 66 concept restaurant may look like. It is unclear if he location planned for a vacant lot near UTEP will be a standard Johnny Rockets or a newer Route 66 location. (www.johnnyrockets.com) |
The restaurant chain serves "all-American food in a timeless and fun environment." Johnny Rockets operates 340 restaurants worldwide. It is based in California and was founded in 1986.
It is unclear if this will be a standard Johnny Rockets restaurant or a new Route 66 concept.
This location will be Johnny Rockets' first in El Paso.
Guest contributor David Berchelmann has 8 years of experience in the real estate industry in El Paso. You can follow him on twitter at @livingelpaso.