Cheba Hut opens second El Paso location on eve of 4/20

Maria Cortes Gonzalez, El Paso Times
Updated ·3 min read

Cheba Hut will spark up West El Paso by firing up its second location offering toasted subs with cannabis-inspired names.

The restaurant officially opens doors Friday, April 19, at 730 Sunland Park Drive, Suite 200, in front of The Shoppes at Solana. Coincidentally, it's the day before 4/20, a day that celebrates all things cannabis and promotes its legalization.

The first Cheba Hut opened in February on the far East Side, at 3001 N. Zaragoza Road.

More: Celebrate 4/20 with deals, discounts at New Mexico cannabis dispensaries near El Paso

The West Side location had a VIP event on April 17, and once again, it created a relaxed and fun evening. Munchie samples on the counter included Krispy rice treat bars, chocolate chip and blueberry cookies, tasty cocktails and a sampling of sandwiches.

The G-13 turkey, roast beef and bacon sandwich and the G-13 turkey, roast beef and bacon sandwich are prepared and served with a drink at Cheba Hut on their VIP day on Wednesday, April. 17, 2024. The second location set to open on April 19 is at 730 Sunland Park Dr, in West El Paso, TX.
The G-13 turkey, roast beef and bacon sandwich and the G-13 turkey, roast beef and bacon sandwich are prepared and served with a drink at Cheba Hut on their VIP day on Wednesday, April. 17, 2024. The second location set to open on April 19 is at 730 Sunland Park Dr, in West El Paso, TX.

Both restaurants are owned by Isaac Montoya, who grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico and began his career in the company 12 years ago. He has three restaurants in Albuquerque, and now with the El Paso locations, has five under his belt.

"I am the franchisee of both stores and currently have an area development agreement for all of New Mexico and El Paso," Montoya said.

Montoya is married, and his wife Rebekah and parents Roman and Lori have been integral to his success in New Mexico and Texas. He plans to continue growing the franchise.

The La Canna smoked ham, genoa salami and prosciutto sandwich is prepared and served at Cheba Hut on their VIP day on Wednesday, April. 17, 2024. The second location set to open on April 19 is at 730 Sunland Park Dr, in West El Paso, TX.
The La Canna smoked ham, genoa salami and prosciutto sandwich is prepared and served at Cheba Hut on their VIP day on Wednesday, April. 17, 2024. The second location set to open on April 19 is at 730 Sunland Park Dr, in West El Paso, TX.

The West Side location is a bit bigger than the East Side location. It also has a bar for people to gather and mounted TVs to catch sports and games. The mural, created by Cheba Hut's staple muralist Finley, gives a nod to Lucha Libra wrestling history, including Eddie Guerrero.

More: Puff, puff, pass the sandwich: Blazing preview of first Cheba Hut in El Paso

It also has a great patio area with umbrella-topped tables and a beer pong table set up for spontaneous fun.

“The goal is to be the neighborhood's go-to hangout while allowing the interior and exterior of the shop to capture the vibes and culture of the beautiful city of El Paso,” Montoya said.

Customers enjoy their sandwiches at Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs on their VIP party on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The second location set to open on April 19 is at 730 Sunland Park Dr, in West El Paso, TX.
Customers enjoy their sandwiches at Cheba Hut "Toasted" Subs on their VIP party on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The second location set to open on April 19 is at 730 Sunland Park Dr, in West El Paso, TX.

Here are three of our favorite sandwiches to try:

Try the Apollo 13, a garlic butter bread Greek sandwich with grilled chicken breast, kalamata olives, feta, spring mix, tomato, red onion, a pickle slice and Shake and Greek dressing at Cheba Hut, 730 Sunland Park Dr. Suite 200.
Try the Apollo 13, a garlic butter bread Greek sandwich with grilled chicken breast, kalamata olives, feta, spring mix, tomato, red onion, a pickle slice and Shake and Greek dressing at Cheba Hut, 730 Sunland Park Dr. Suite 200.

  • Apollo 13: Choose garlic butter bread for this Greek sandwich with grilled chicken breast, kalamata olives, feta, spring mix, tomato, red onion, a pickle slice, shake and Greek dressing.

  • White Widow: A grilled chicken breast sandwich with bacon, ranch, mushrooms, provolone, lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickle slice, Shake and house dressing.

  • AK-47: Try this French Dip sandwich with roast beef, portobello mushroom, red onion and double provolone.

More: Celebrate 4/20 with deals, discounts at New Mexico cannabis dispensaries near El Paso

María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com, @EPTMaria on Twitter; eptmariacg on TikTok.

Celebrate 4/20 at Cheba Hut in El Paso

The sub shops at 3001 N. Zaragoza and 730 Sunland Park Dr., Suite 200, are going all out for 4/20. Cheba Hut is offering $4.20 Nug Subs (4-inch sandwiches) along with a free Cheba-Hut branded frisbee with every purchase on Saturday, April 20. The business has also partnered with the American hip-hop group Cypress Hill and is promoting the Lowrider Amplified cocktail.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Cheba Hut 420 in El Paso; second location opens Friday