Don Pepe's Gourmet Burritos & Tacos is expanding again, announcing plans for a second location on Conway's east side. The well-known restaurant's news came by way of a brief press release from the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, though key details like an exact address and opening date have not been disclosed.
The announcement arrived through the Chamber's What's That Gonna Be feature, which is presented by First Community Bank and typically directs curious locals to more information as projects develop, according to Arkansas Radio. As of now, there's no construction timeline, no construction progress update, and no expected completion date attached to the project, the outlet reports. Menu changes and any operating-hours adjustments also haven't been mentioned.
A History of Growth on Prince Street
This wouldn't be the first time Don Pepe's has pursued a bigger footprint in Conway. Back in April 2023, the restaurant broke ground on a new location at 2525 Prince Street, next to Shadrachs Coffee, according to Pulse of Conway. That project was billed as a standalone, 3,500-square-foot restaurant with a drive-thru window, seating for 90 people, and roughly 1,000 more square feet than the existing Conway spot — and it was slated to replace Don Pepe's original Conway location at 2225 Prince Street.
Pulse of Conway reported at the time that JEG Contractors was handling construction, with the new restaurant expected to open within 12 to 16 months, potentially by summer 2024. It's worth noting that the current seed announcement states the exact address for the new east-side project has not been disclosed, which conflicts with that 2023 report naming 2525 Prince Street — the dossier does not resolve whether this new announcement refers to the same project, a different one, or an update on the earlier plan.
Family Business Behind the Burritos
Don Pepe's describes itself as a fast-casual spot specializing in gourmet Mexican food, with locations in Conway and Bryant and catering across Central Arkansas, per the restaurant's own site, donpepesarkansas.com. The Bryant location opened in 2019, Pulse of Conway noted in its earlier report. Owner Jose Castro and his brother Ernesto Castro also own Los 3 Potrillos, according to the same account.
Don Pepe's isn't the only name expanding in that part of Conway. KATV reported that Braum's Ice Cream & Dairy Store broke ground on a future Conway location, planned for Farris Road right next to Don Pepe's — a sign of ongoing development activity in that corridor.
What Comes Next
For now, Conway residents will have to sit tight. Arkansas Radio, a network of radio stations in Central Arkansas, reports that further updates are expected as the project moves forward, though no opening timing has been shared. Until then, the exact address, construction status, and completion date for Don Pepe's newest venture remain unknown.
