El Paso is moving. The longtime Hagerstown eatery is to make a move downtown in May, it has been confirmed. The Mexican restaurant, which has been operating at 700 Dual Highway for the last 19 years, is expected to shift location to 10-12 E Washington Street, according to Jose ‘Joey’ Gomez. Gomez is the manager of the restaurant and has been working there since it was opened by his mother and father, Marie and Jose, 19 years ago.
“I think we’re going to be a great addition to downtown,” says Gomez, who points out that many of the clients of the restaurant already work in the city anyway. The relocation comes despite the fact that the restaurant has already undergone renovations just last year, including tiling and seating updates to the sunroom, an added outdoor patio, and bathroom upgrades.
The decision to make a move has come now that the almost 20-year lease on the building on the Dual Highway is reaching its expiration point. “They don’t want to lease, they want to own,” Gomez says of his parents, noting that it is hoped that the restaurant will have moved to its new location by May 5th.
The manager of downtown, Andrew Sargent, says that information about the city’s Facade Grant Program has been given to the owners. The program matches up to $5,000 of funds used on improvements to facades, including painting and structural repairs. “This is definitely a clear sign that there are opportunities for business growth,” Sargent added.
Gene Salaz
