By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
There is nothing like a national steakhouse chain asking for economic incentives to open a restaurant in Del Rio to start a social media firestorm here.
The saga in the potential arrival of a Texas Roadhouse restaurant in Del Rio kicked into gear at the Aug. 25 meeting of the City of Del Rio’s Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The meeting came and went and little was said publicly in regards to the EDC’s decision regarding the popular eatery, but when a local radio station announced its intentions to discuss the matter, including how the EDC turned down the chain’s $150,000 request for demolition fees from the city, apparently killing the deal, the community took to social media to express its anger at losing out on another potential chance for growth in the city.
How did Del Rio get here? It starts with the meeting in question.
At the Aug. 25 meeting the company behind Texas Roadhouse restaurants asked for $150,000 to demolish an existing building on Veterans’ Boulevard. The location wasn’t disclosed, but the fee was considered, at the time, a bridge too far for the EDC.
“After a lengthy discussion, the Del Rio EDC-Type A decided that the ask of $150,000 to demolish the existing building was too great of a commitment at that time,” a release from the city of Del Rio that was distributed Wednesday stated.
However, EDC board chairman Eddie Amezcua Jr., whose family owns Buffalo Wings and Rings and Skillets, said he erred in the decision.
“We voted ‘no’ on the proposal because there were no parameters around the money but I should have tabled it. We never stopped negotiations with the company and we are continuing to find the best way to meet their needs. The EDC is going to do everything they can to get a Texas Roadhouse here, but we’re going to make sure we’re smart with the taxpayers’ money.”
The positives in Texas Roadhouse arriving in Del Rio appeared to be many. The franchise has 580 locations in 49 states and 22 international locations in nine foreign countries. Locally, the city’s press release stated that Del Rio’s Texas Roadhouse would provide jobs for 65 new employees within the first year of operation and the regular pay would start at $15 an hour with administrative positions starting at $25 an hour.
Company officials said their total investment in a new location would be about $4.5 million.
Those numbers appear to make the $150,000 contribution not as severe as once though, especially when, according to the city’s website, the EDC, who receives a percentage of sales tax revenue, has several million dollars in the bank.
Amezcua, who drew the ire of many people who posted on social media whether through comments, sharing the initial post or creating memes about the incident, said protecting his self-interest is not part of his equation Wednesday morning on The 830 Hour on KTDR 96.3.
“At the end of the day, it has nothing to do with owning a restaurant. I would love more restaurants here. I dine in other restaurants as much as I can.
“I know personally that helping Del Rio is my number 1 priority… However, we have to do it the right way. This is the first ask from a restaurant and we have to set a good precedent going forward. Not only for them, but for other future developers who want to come in here. You give them $150,000 free cash, we need to put some caveats on it and make it a bit more credible.”
Amezcua added that he abstained from the vote regarding Texas Roadhouse. “I abstained because it was a restaurant deal and people could say voting against was a conflict of interest.”
However, the city of Del Rio may have already indicated that plans are in the works to mend fences and ultimately bring the home of mouth-watering biscuits and apple butter to the Queen City.
The city’s press release stated the following:
“Following the Aug. 25 meeting, City administration expressed great interest in re-visiting with the company to discuss other incentives to bring in the restaurant with members of the Del Rio EDC-Type A board. The board decided to revisit this, especially since a new board will be adopted soon to fulfill the Type B Corporation voted on earlier this year. Incentives and decisions are ongoing, and the door has not been shut to this opportunity for Del Rio.
“During the May 7, 2022 Municipal Election, voters chose to terminate the Type-A EDC and adopt a Type B Corporation. The City is in the process of transitioning the Type A
Board to the Type B Board and has been advertising for applicants for several months.
“As recent concerns have surfaced regarding denial of economic development within the
City, it is important to know that the City of Del Rio, along with the Del Rio Economic
Development Corporation (Type A and Type B), will continue to work together to offer incentives to Texas Roadhouse and any incoming businesses for the betterment of Del Rio, so long as they are fiscally responsible to the taxpayers in our City.
“The City of Del Rio will continue to take the initiative to invest in our future by offering competitive incentives to companies who will create jobs, provide more quality of life and drive innovation in Del Rio.”
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Contact the author at joelalangton@gmail.com
