Panchos Tacos Mexican Restaurant celebrates grand opening in Bellville
BELLVILLE — The manager of the newly opened Panchos Tacos Mexican Restaurant said the restaurant's customers are coming from near and far because of the restaurant's close proximity to Interstate 71, bringing customers from across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Alejandro Carrizal Ramos, who graduated from Ontario High School, said the restaurant expected customers from surrounding states but never so many customers from outside the United States.
"Business is good. We're busy. It's nonstop," said Alejandro, whose parents Margarito and Lisbeth Carrizal are co-owners of the restaurant that opened Aug. 8 at 844 Ohio 97 West at the former KC Steaks and Ribs site.
Grand opening and ribbon-cutting held Monday
Monday, the restaurant celebrated a grand opening and ribbon cutting with members of the Mansfield Richland Area Chamber-Economic Development.
State Sen. Mark Romanchuk, R-Ontario, gave the owners a commendation from the Ohio Senate.
"We've all probably eaten at some of the restaurants around town. I think we've all enjoyed them for many, many years. I can tell you my job now. I travel the state all the time and I can tell you these Mexican restaurants here in Richland County I think are the best of any in this state and maybe the Midwest," Romanchuk said.
Margarito Carrizal had worked for years at El Campestre in Ontario as have the restaurant's other co-owners, Jesus Davalos and Luis and Natalia Davalos.
He said the co-owners came to the United States from Mexico and eventually to Mansfield to work having known friends in the restaurant business.
Alejandro said the menu is large and is a combined menu from Panchos Tacos on Lexington Avenue and El Campestre on West Fourth Street in Ontario.
"We have a variety of tacos and margaritas, and craft and domestic beers," he said.
Restaurant has a friendly and fun atmosphere
"We change what's on tap so there are always different offerings," he added.
"The restaurant is a very unique Mexican restaurant like no other," he added. "The atmosphere is friendly and it's fun here. And you can make memories. We've met people from all around."
Alejandro, a college student, said loyal customers from Ontario have come to eat at the new site along with customers from Bellville, Butler and surrounding counties.
Their Panchos Tacos sign will be added to the menu sign of attractions, eateries and gas stations posted along I-71 alerting motorists to the offerings ahead at the I-71/Ohio 97 exit.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Food is also available for take out.
Panchos Tacos Mexican Restaurant can be reached by calling 419-719-8135.
lwhitmir@gannett.com
419-527223
Twitter: @LWhitmir
This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Co-owners merged menus from Panchos Tacos and El Campestre restaurants.
