El Tejaban to Move to Former Eastern Buffet Spot

After roughly five years of growing business, El Tejaban Mexican Grill is moving to a bigger space.

But, don't worry. The restaurant isn't moving far—just across the street.

The Richfield City Council approved a conditional use permit to include intoxicating liquor sales for the new El Tejaban space at 6501 Nicollet Ave. S. July 9. The new spot is the former Eastern Buffet at the Richfield Shoppes.

Restaurant representatives told council members it had outgrown its spot at 2 W. 66th St. in the Hub Shopping Center. As part of the new and bigger space, restaurant owners also said they planned to have karaoke.

While the council approved the restaurant's conditional use permit, it's approval was contingent on restaurant reps meeting with residents in the neighborhood to the back of the new restaurant space. Residents had expressed concerns during the June 2013 Richfield Planning Commission meeting about noise and food smells. Restaurant owners agreed to the council's request.

Owners plan to open in the new spot in early 2014. The restaurant will be open until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 2 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

In addition, El Tejaban is also planning on keeping its spot at the Hub, citing plans to open a new fusion restaurant in the near future. Stay tuned for more details in a forthcoming article.