New Mexican restaurant ready to serve the community

Jun. 24—Jahaira Aguirra-Ramos grew up in Sanford and always wanted to give back to her community and has been able to do that in the form of food.

On Friday afternoon, surrounded by family, friends and local officials, she held a ribbon-cutting, officially introducing her new restaurant, A Toda Madre Mexican Grill, to the public.

"I'm more than grateful to be a part of this community," she said, becoming a bit emotional. "I was born and raised in the community and I'm looking forward to giving back to the community."

The restaurant, located at 715 E. Main St., specializes in fresh authentic Mexican food.

The restaurant has been open since May and a crowd favorite is their QuesoBirria, a modern Mexican dish made up of slowly cooked beef in a stew, corn tortillas dipped in the stew and folded. Melted cheese and shredded beef is placed on top. Another favorite is the are the Pupusas, a Salvadorian dish which consists of thick corn tortillas that are stuffed with various filling like cheese and beans, chicken and pork.

They also serve ice cream and fresh juices and other related beverages.

Myah Ainsworth, 21, enjoys all of the food they make, especially the tacos.

"It's amazing," she said about the food. "I love it. It's just so real, it has an authentic taste. It makes you feel like you are in Mexico."

Aguirra-Ramos said prior to finding this location, they owned a food truck and before that they sold their food out of the mother's minivan.

She said it was time to move on to opening up a stand-alone business.

That was the goal.

Susan Gomez, director of Sanford Area Chamber of Commerce said she was glad to have this business added to the community.

"It's really amazing," she said. "She was born and raised here and came back to support the community. That's a wonderful success story in my eyes."

Sam Gaskins, former city council member and long supporter of new businesses, said the business is in the right location.

"Always good to see new businesses opening up in Sanford," he said. "We have a large Hispanic community and it is good to see them being represented."

Gary Lutz, 67, of Lillington, already has become a fan of their food and brought his friends to join him.

"This is my third time that I've been here already," he said. "I haven't had a bad meal yet."

He brought his Pedro Santiago, 68, who is from Georgia, to eat with him. Santiago said after his meal it would be hard for him to go back home as he shared dessert with his wife.

"The food is to die for," he said. "The deserts are so good and I have to hide mine because she is eating it up."

He said the food and friendship have him second guessing going home.

"He (Lutz) forced me to come here," he said with a smile. "Now they may have to force me to leave."

Customers can eat in the restaurants dining area, carry-out, or drive-thru. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and the business is closed on Wednesdays.