By Sahar Chmais
Update: Kerbey Lane Cafe is in the proposal stage with the developer, a lease has not been signed.
Kerbey Lane Cafe, a beloved Austin diner, will join the ranks of Z Tejas, P. Terry’s and Torchy’s Tacos, as new announcements come about the expanding Kyle restaurant scene.
Kerbey Lane Cafe, the 24-hour restaurant, has set its eyes on the JLL Development, the southwest corner Marketplace Ave. and Kyle Parkway, and is choosing which pad site to move into.
As Kyle expands, the city wants more food options for residents, but the city cannot invite these restaurants in — it has to attract them, said Mayor Pro-Tem Rick Koch. Businesses like Kerbey Lane want to be in places that have a unique feel, Koch added.
The Vybe trail system, which was approved in September, will run through the JLL Development. Once the Vybe was brought forward, the developer changed their site plans around the trail. This plan has attracted more restaurants, Koch told the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch.
While Kerbey Lane works on expanding into Kyle, other names that would make residents happy are also working on coming into the city, Koch said. These businesses have not yet been disclosed.
Those that have already announced their Kyle expansion plans include Tiff’s Treats, Torchy’s Tacos, P. Terry’s and Z Tejas. Those restaurants have chosen to locate in the development around EVO Theaters, where the new Costco is under construction. This development is at the northwest corner of I-35 and Kohler’s Crossing.
“I think in the next 12 to 18 months, not only will you see a bunch of announcements for sit-down restaurants, but you will see some under construction,” Koch said, announcing the city’s vision.
Sit-down restaurants are in demand in Kyle, a city that has historically lost out on these businesses compared to surrounding areas, Koch said.
About 1.5 years ago, Kyle created an incentive program to secure new restaurants to fill a gap in the market and occupy vacant properties, or stimulate new construction by providing financial assistance. So far, the Restaurant Incentive Program has not been utilized and Kerbey Lane has not used this program, but that may soon change, according to Koch.
The program is offered through the Kyle Economic Development Office and offers eligible businesses to receive assistance for up to 100% sales and/or property tax rebates, not to exceed three years.
