What is being built at the former El Taco Tote location in N. Mesa by the University of Texas at El Paso? Now we know and I’m not going to lie, it’s disappointing.
The Tote, as we cool kids call it, closed at 2921 N. Mesa on October 7, 2020 after 24 years there. I heard it had to do with the lease. However, it continues to operate at six other locations in the city.
The building was eventually demolished and, after standing empty for months, a new building is currently under construction.
So what is taking its place?
As someone who lives in the area, I made a wish list after watching the digging process begin. These are some of the restaurants I was hoping to move to:
Cheesecake factory
It will probably never happen, but I can dream.
In-N-Out Burger
What he said ^^.
Chick-fil-a
Better. Chicken sandwich. Ever.
Church Chicken
Albertson’s deli may not be our only option when we are in the mood for fried chicken.
The Vases
There are not enough Mexican food restaurants in the area. Or Mexican-style bakeries. This would affect both points.
Crave kitchen and bar
Your brunch, amirite? Yes, I know, there is already one about Cincinnati and Stanton, but it is too small.
Almost anything else would be far more exciting than what is actually being built. A car wash is what is taking over the space. Mister Car Wash, to be exact.
A big disappointment. Of course this comes from a guy who washes his car maybe twice a year. Above all, I let Mother Nature take care of it. Either wash my car or make everyone else look as dirty as mine. A victory either way.
Based in Tucson, Arizona, Mister Car Wash operates more than 360 car washes nationwide, including 16 in El Paso. He will soon be 17.
LOOK: History of food from the year you were born
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