Local entrepreneurs Nick Salgado, Octavio Gomez and Rudy Valdes, best known for the Crave enterprise, have done it again. They’ve added a new venue to their flourishing collection of restaurants and bars. They describe latest endeavor Electric Cactus as simply a “west Texas bar.”
The location, which opened in May, will take over the space of TI:ME at Montecillo’s Stonewood Grill. The upscale steakhouse closed in April and is another of the trio’s concepts.
Gomez and Salgado said preparations for the Electric Cactus are already underway. Although sparse with the details to affect the surprise element, the 2 did give us some hints on what to expect with the new bar. “We’re definitely changing the look,” Salgado said. “People who know Stonewood aren’t going to recognize it.”
They added their west Texas idea which does not include spurs and saddles, but something more in line with El Paso’s look, feel and culture.
They presume due to the location and the demographic that frequents TI:ME, the bar will serve a very diverse crowd. They likened it to the variety of people who hang out at sister venue, Cantina Malolam, located right next to Stonewood.
“We expect in the afternoon it will be a casual neighborhood bar you meet at to have drinks with friends,” Gomez said. “At night it will get more animated. We’re going to have a DJ and things will get livelier.”
Among the full menu of cocktails, liquor and beer will be some offerings from local breweries Big Bend Brewing Co., Ode and Deadbeach.
The trio is also working on opening up far east side locations of Hillside and Independent Burger, also located in Montecillo.
They look forward to a successful new venture with the Electric Cactus, which given their track record of success, may not be hard to accomplish.
The first location of Crave Kitchen and Bar opened 10 years ago in the Cincinnati Entertainment District. The concept has proven to be a runaway train of success, with 4 locations around the city. The Crave restaurant at the Fountains at Farah proudly sports the title of first local restaurant to occupy space at the ultra-hip, chain restaurant- heavy venue.
The group also plans to open far east side locations of their Hillside Donut Company and Independent Burger concepts, located at TI:ME.
In an August 2017 El Paso Inc. article, Salgado said the demand from their customers is the decision that prompted them to expand east.
The 3,000 square foot venue is sure to add to the area’s energetic, fun loving and quirky vibe.
Check them out at: @electriccactusep