Image Courtesy : eltiempocantina.com
El Tiempo Cantina’s Growth Trajectory in Houston
Since opening its first restaurant in 1998 on Richmond Avenue, the family‑owned El Tiempo Cantina—founded by Roland and Domenic Laurenzo—has grown into a beloved Houston institution. Built on the legacy of “Mama Ninfa” Laurenzo’s original Tex‑Mex innovations, the chain now operates over a dozen locations across the greater Houston region.
With each new branch—from vintage neighborhoods like Montrose, Navigation Blvd., The Galleria area, Katy, to West Houston—the brand has strategically extended its reach to deliver legendary fajitas, house‑made tortillas, and margaritas to diners across multiple sectors of the metro.
From Ballpark Buzz to Restaurant Boom
The catalyst behind El Tiempo’s rapid expansion has been its successful entry into major sports venues. Starting with Minute Maid Park in 2022 (now Daikin Park), the chain’s frozen margarita stands have helped redefine the ballpark dining experience. That success snowballed into contracts at Globe Life Field in Arlington (Texas Rangers), Shell Energy Stadium (Houston Dynamo), and NRG Stadium (Houston Astros).
This visibility and high-volume service have empowered the brand to plan a trio of new restaurant openings across the region by year’s end.
The Three New Locations (Openings Scheduled by December 2025)
1. South Loop (formerly Timmy Chan Original site)
- Address: 2360 South Loop West, Houston, TX
- Opening target: Second week of August 2025, pending final health inspection
- Details: A standalone Tex‑Mex cantina adjacent to NRG Park, built to capitalize on game‑day foot traffic and local diners alike.
2. POST Houston (above 713 Music Hall)
- Opening target: By late December 2025
- Details: Operated as a franchise by POST Houston’s landlords, this location will serve visitors to concerts and events, bringing El Tiempo’s menu into a dynamic entertainment district.
3. Galveston Strand District (Thomas Jefferson League Building)
- Address: 2301 Strand St., Galveston, TX
- Building: A historic 154‑year‑old Renaissance Revival structure
- Opening target: By Christmas, pending permits
- Highlights: Preserves architectural integrity with brick walls and aims to include event space above a full-service Tex‑Mex restaurant.
Why This Expansion Matters
- Brand vitality: El Tiempo’s ability to grow even in a turbulent economy speaks to its strong service model, reputation, and operational scale.
- Community reach: From Katy, The Heights (recent rumors notwithstanding), to Galveston, the chain is effectively covering new and historic neighborhoods.
- Diversified presence: With installations in entertainment venues, sports arenas, and neighborhood streets, El Tiempo is engaging a wide spectrum of customers—from game‑goers to Galveston tourists.
Expanded Restaurant Timeline
| Location | Neighborhood / Venue | Projected Opening |
|---|---|---|
| South Loop (former Timmy Chan) | Near NRG Park, Houston | ~2nd week of August 2025 |
| POST Houston (above 713 Hall) | Downtown entertainment zone | Late December 2025 |
| Strand District, Galveston | Thomas Jefferson League Bldg | By Christmas 2025 |
El Tiempo Cantina is in the midst of a growth boom—driven by smart expansion into sports venues and entertainment districts, built on generations-old Tex‑Mex traditions. These three carefully selected new sites will further embed the brand throughout Houston and beyond, while honoring its family-rooted identity and culinary heritage.
Expect the chain to continue its strategic momentum well into 2026—possibly expanding into airports, more suburbs, or even new cities.