Desert Oak, Artesana Set Kress Building Openings
Two El Paso restaurants will open locations in the renovated Kress Building in Downtown El Paso as it nears completion as an entertainment hub.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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Desert Oak Barbecue and Artesana Bakery will open locations inside the Kress Building in Downtown El Paso. The announcements came as the building enters its final stages of renovation as an entertainment hub with eateries and shops.
Why it matters
The openings add food tenants to a Downtown El Paso building being revived as an entertainment destination. The Kress Building is targeted to be ready for WinterFest 2026, which opens November 21.
Desert Oak Barbecue has operated on the East Side for 11 years, and Artesana Bakery's current location is at 1810 Trawood Dr., Suite M. Specific opening dates and lease terms for the Kress Building locations were not provided.
The players
Desert Oak Barbecue
A barbecue restaurant on El Paso's East Side that has operated for 11 years and has long sought to expand Downtown.
Artesana Bakery
A specialty bakery known for conchas, cheesecake desserts and cookies, which is among the first tenants of the renovated Kress Building.
Franklin Mountain Investments
The firm overseeing the renovation of the Kress Building as an entertainment hub in Downtown El Paso.
The details
Desert Oak Barbecue owner Richard Funk announced the Kress Building location on Instagram, while Artesana Bakery owner Tomas Valles announced a second location through the Kress Building's Instagram account. Franklin Mountain Investments officials hosted a media tour of the building on October 5.
Timeline
October 5, 2026: Franklin Mountain Investments hosts a media tour of the Kress Building.
November 6, 2026: Desert Oak and Artesana openings are announced.
November 21, 2026: WinterFest 2026 opening festivities begin.
Market Landscape
The Kress Building revival extends a push to repurpose Downtown El Paso historic properties into entertainment and dining destinations. Restaurant tenants like Desert Oak and Artesana fill the food-and-shop mix the developer is assembling ahead of the holiday season.
Downtown El Paso diners will gain new barbecue and bakery options when the Kress Building opens. Shoppers and visitors planning around WinterFest 2026 can expect the building's food tenants to be part of the festivities.
The takeaway
Downtown El Paso's Kress Building is adding restaurant tenants ahead of its holiday-season debut, so visitors planning WinterFest trips may have new food options to consider. Checking tenant opening dates closer to the event is advisable.
What happens next
The Kress Building is targeted for readiness in time for WinterFest 2026, which opens November 21, 2026.
Further reading
Find more local updates on Openings & Closings across El Paso.
Source note: This article includes information reported by El Paso Times.
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