Opening Delayed for Second El Paso Cracker Barrel, Eastlake Location

The new Cracker Barrel Old Country Store on the east side has had a couple of setbacks and its targeted opening has been delayed.

Originally projected to open at the Eastlake Marketplace off Interstate 10 and Eastlake Boulevard this spring, Cracker Barrel Media Relations tells me El Pasoans and those living in Horizon City, Clint, and Fabens will have to wait a little longer before they get to enjoy its brand of homestyle comfort food on their end of town.

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Eastlake Area Is Booming

Anyone who lives, works or has to travel through the Eastlake area knows first-hand just how much it has grown in the last year.

Since Dollar Tree became the first retail store to open in the Eastlake Marketplace shopping center in January of 202, more and more shopping and dining establishments are opening locations or announcing plans to do so.

Dutch Bros Coffee, Crumbl Cookies, Rack Room Shoes, Ross Dress for Less, Jersey Mike’s, and Five Below are just a handful of franchises that have opened their doors since the Cracker Barrel broke ground in November of 2021.

Home grown businesses Taco Tote, AJ’s Diner, and Chopsticks are planning to join locally owned Sun City Slice in the future. Between Eastlake Marketplace and the smaller Eastlake Commons across the street, both owned and operated by River Oaks Properties, more than 50 restaurants and retail stores will call the shopping centers home.

New Cracker Barrel Opening Timeline

So, what’s keeping Cracker Barrel from the spring opening it was eyeing?

Construction and permitting delays, according to Cracker Barrel Media Relations. “We expect our new El Paso location to open doors this summer,” I was informed via email. “Although still subject to change,” they added.

It has taken nearly 30 years for a second Cracker Barrel to be built in El Paso, so I guess we can wait a few more months to have their Southern fried chicken, meatloaf, Country Fried Steak, and Old Timer’s Breakfast at the new location.