Lewis Barbecue owner John Lewis’ forthcoming El Paso, Texas-style eatery at 1503 King St. (previously occupied by Workshop) already has a new name: Rancho Lewis.
Initially dubbed Juan Luis like the trailer parked outside of Lewis Barbecue, the brick-and-mortar eatery’s new name “better represents their commitment to respecting the Southwest Texas-El Paso region that inspires their concept and pays homage to the culture and cuisine they admire,” a press release said.
“This new iteration of the concept allows the team to build upon the menu they created for the Juan Luis trailer, featuring classic border favorites such as enchiladas and mesquite grilled fajitas alongside fresh soups and salads and tacos,” the release said.
Initially slated to open Sept. 1, 2021, Rancho Lewis is now targeting a winter 2022 opening date. Local interior designer Betsy Berry of B. Berry Interiors is currently working to revamp the space, adding in “rich, earthy colors, natural materials and vintage finds.”
Once open, look for enchiladas, mesquite grilled meat and seafood, tacos and more for lunch and dinner, alongside an extensive cocktail list. The restaurant will feature an in-house tortilleria, and Texas native Patricia Arredondo will lead front-of-house operations.
“Moving to a brick-and-mortar space gives us an incredible opportunity to expand the menu significantly and use techniques we couldn’t in the trailer,” Lewis said in the release.
And speaking of the Juan Luis trailer, it will also get a new name and menu following a temporary closure Aug. 1. “JLs” will specialize in green chile cheeseburgers, green chile cheese dogs, frozen custard sundaes and margaritas when it reopens.
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