The owner of Muttz, the bar and grill with off-leash dog parks, announced on Monday, Sept. 14 it was unfortunately closing the business after two years of operation.
"After exhausting every possible option to reopen, I’ve made the heartbreaking decision that Muttz Canine Social Club will not be reopening. I really tried. Between the economy, the challenges of our location and access, and the realities of operating the business, I could not find a sustainable path forward. And saying goodbye to Muttz breaks my heart," stated the Muttz Facebook post.
The business was opened by the mother-daughter duo, April Mendoza and Pamela Mendoza-Anderson, in May of 2024 at 460 Vin Rambla Drive, the end of the street in Montecillo.
The business was built on a membership
model, with customers purchasing a daily, monthly or annual pass for the use of the dog parks. The membership included free Wi-Fi, attendants who supervised and maintained the park and a splash pad for dogs.
The owner said it wasn't just a dog park but a place where pups and their humans could find a community.
"We celebrated birthdays and gotcha days, hosted adoption events, danced at foam parties, raised money for rescues, and made friendships that outlasted any one visit. Some of you came through our doors as customers and even became friends. We built real relationships with rescue groups, vendors, and the local dog community - those relationships are what made Muttz so much more than a place," the statement continued.
April Mendoza said she is hopeful she can continue Double Dog Dare Bakery & Boutique, a bakery with dog treats, with pop-ups, and other ways to support local rescues.
"This chapter may be closing, but I’m not ready to close the book. The dream isn’t dead, we’re just finding a new way forward," she stated.
Muttz follows Boston’s Pizza and iFLY closures in Montecillo
Muttz becomes the latest business to close in Montecillo, an area that has seen several high-profile closures despite ongoing development.
IFly and Boston's Restaurant, both on Vin Rambla Drive, are also now closed.
IFly closed in August after seven years in business at 430 Vin Rambla Drive. It had previouslyclosed for a few months in 2025 as it went from an El Paso owner to corporate ownership after refurbishment.
Boston's Pizza Restaurant and Sports Bar, 340 Vin Rambla Drive, temporarily closed in September 2024 because of slower-than-expected development in the surrounding area and limited access from I-10. It was not able to recover.
Along Vin Rambla Drive, there are both empty buildings for lease and a few thriving businesses. Escapology, at 360 Vin Rambla Drive, is a popular escape room. And a sign for a House of Beauty Med Spa says it's coming soon next door at 350 Vin Rambla Drive. It is estimated to open in December of 2026, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Topgolf is also located in the area.
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: Another Montecillo business shuts down as Muttz closes after 2 years
