Torchy's Tacos, 426 East Southeast Loop 323 in Tyler, will open in early November. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph)

FAITH HARPER,

When Torchy’s Tacos opens in Tyler next week, beer and ‘ritas will be on the menu. 

Tyler City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved a variance allowing the restaurant to sell beer and margaritas.

The restaurant opens on Nov. 3, but the alcohol permit is expected to take an additional 45 days.

Until then, the taco chain will provide up to two beer or margarita drinks at no charge, said Brittany Platt, Torchy’s director of marketing.

The variance was required because the restaurant at 426 East Southeast Loop 323 sits across the street from Robert E. Lee High School, within the 300-foot required barrier between a school and a place that sells alcohol.

Tuesday’s council action changes that requirement to 120 feet, so Torchy’s is eligible for a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission license.

Tyler ISD Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford submitted a letter to the city, indicating the district didn’t object to alcohol sales there. 

Alcohol has been served by different restaurants in the location from 1992 to 2013, according to the city. Former tenants include El Chico, El Chico Ranch and Red’s Famous Fried Chicken.

The location has hired about 120 people. About 70 percent of those will be full time and 30 percent part time, Ms. Platt said. With the full bar, Torchy’s expects to hire more people, she said.

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