Desert Oak BBQ, Artesana Bakery to open inside Kress Building
Desert Oak Barbecue owner Richard Funk announced on Instagram that they'll bring their Central Texas barbecue to the Kress Building Downtown. Artesana Bakery will also be among the first tenants in the newly renovated building.
The Kress Building is currently entering its last stages of renovation as an entertainment hub with multiple eateries and a couple of shops.
Officials with Paul Foster's Franklin Mountain Investments provided a media tour Oct. 5 and said they hope to have the Kress Building and its food tenants ready in time for WinterFest. WinterFest 2026 opening festivities begin Nov. 21.
Funk said Desert Oak Barbecue has been on the East Side for 11 years and they have always wanted to expand to Downtown El Paso. So, they are excited to be one of the restaurants coming into the Kress Building,
"It allows us to be part of something long-lasting in Downtown," said Funk's son, Stephen Ortiz on the Instagram reel. "We're bringing our classic Central Texas BBQ that we do here at, at Desert Oak at our main location, but going to make it a little bit trendier."
Artesana Bakery owner Tomas Valles announced on the Kress Building Instagram account that he will open a second location in the Kress Building. Their current location is at 1810 Trawood Drive, Suite M.
The bakery is known for its specialty conchas, cheesecake desserts and cookies.
María Cortés González may be reached at 915-546-6150; mcortes@elpasotimes.com; @eptmaria.bsky.social on Bluesky, and @eptmariacg on TikTok .
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Desert Oak BBQ, Artesana Bakery to open inside Kress Building
