![Pepper's currently operates six restaurants in the panhandle, including this location in Shalimar. [AARON JACOBS|NEWS BULLETIN]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-697f5a8a-80e8-2ede-e053-0100007f71c6-948bb888-scaled.jpeg)
CRESTVIEW — Rumors about a new restaurant coming to Crestview have been confirmed by a general manager at the chain.
Jorge Lopez, general manager of Pepper’s Mexican Grill and Cantina in Shalimar, said they are planning to open a Crestview location later this year.
The new restaurant will be located at 1900 S. Ferdon Blvd. in the Crestview Crossing shopping center. The location will be more than 4,000 square feet and will seat around 152 people.
Lopez said they ran into some delays, but they have now signed a lease and applied for permits to begin work on the restaurant. He is tentatively hoping to have the new location open by the end of summer.
“We’re excited going up there and being part of the community,” Lopez said.
Pepper’s offers standard Mexican fare, including a variety of burritos and fajitas, along with a wide range of margaritas. They also feature the popular Loco Burrito Challenge, where customers can win prizes and a spot on the Loco Burrito Wall if they consume a 20-inch Loco Burrito in less than 30 minutes.
Lopez said customers will find the same menu items and quality service they’ve come to expect from the Shalimar location. He also said the chain will be active in the Crestview community.
“I think that’s really important anywhere we go, going into the community,” Lopez said.
The Crestview location will be the chain’s seventh restaurant in the panhandle. The original restaurant opened in 2005 in Port St. Joe.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New restaurant coming to town