Downtown El Paso’s Kipps Cheesesteak closing for good

If you want a comet or green chile philly with whiz in downtown El Paso, better head to Kipps Cheesesteak soon.The restaurant that has been at the corner of Mills Avenue and Mesa Street is closing its doors at the end of this week, after nearly five years.

“We were forced with a very difficult decision but at the end of the day it’s not just important how you open and run a business but when it does come to be your time to shut it down that you do it in an honorable manner, especially to the employees,” owner and operator Kipper Gray said.

Shortly after announcing the closure, Gray and his employees were dealing with a packed house.

“I really love the philly cheesesteak sandwich. I’ve tried a lot in El Paso, this is the best. Now, that’s gone forever,” one longtime customer said.

“I can’t help but be filled with a sense of pride seeing all the outpouring of support from customers and media and civic leaders. It’s been incredible,” Gray said.

As one of downtown’s biggest advocates for growth and expansion, Gray in no way blames construction across the street at San Jacinto Plaza as being the reason for shutting his doors.

“This park, once it gets completed, it’s gonna stir economic development. We’re gonna see businesses reopen and there will be a vibrancy to this community that we haven’t seen in quite a long time,” El Paso Parks and Recreation DIrector Tracy Novak said.

Instead, Gray said rising food costs and personal issues are the cause. He will remain a proud El Pasoan, rather than a downtown business owner.

“I believe that downtown’s redevelopment is on track. I feel its exactly what this city needs. I am excited to see what it will eventually become,” Gray said, before taking the time to thank every single one of his patrons.

Gray announced the news on Facebook, and said he will stay open until he runs out of food on Saturday. That could happen quickly, seeing as on Wednesday the restaurant sold