Tex-Mex restaurant Javi's is headed to the long-vacant former Red Lobster location along University Drive in College Station.
About the project
Construction has been underway at 1200 University Drive E., where state project filings list a $950,000 restaurant remodel. Work was scheduled to begin in April 2025 and finish this March, but Community Impact confirmed heavy construction is ongoing as of May 1.
The project is Javi's first expansion outside of Tyler. The restaurant is known for its elevated Tex-Mex dining, handcrafted margaritas and lively atmosphere.
What Javi's offers
Javi's offers a modern southwest dining experience, featuring dishes such as sizzling fajitas and handmade enchiladas in an indoor-outdoor setting designed for gatherings of all sizes, according to its website.
The restaurant joins a portfolio of Tyler-based restaurants, which include Villaggio Del Vino, FD's Grill House, III Palms and Twelve.
Some context
The former Red Lobster building has been vacant since around 2020. In 2022, another Tex-Mex restaurant was slated to take its place but plans fell through.
Before you go
An estimated opening date for the College Station location has not been announced.
Community Impact has reached out to Javi's for comment but has not received word as of publish time.
