Yeesh, the last thing that area needs is a Taco Bell Cantina. There are so many better restaurants with more authentic food (and full bars) nearby.
I think you're right about the challenge filling those new spaces. There aren't many local businesses that can afford the rent and liquor license. I'm sort of surprised that it's not going to be a bank or a cell phone store (they seem to be the only other things that can fill a retail space like this). An occupied/utilized retail space is better than a vacant one, but nobody can be faulted for being frustrated that they're not getting something better.
