FALL RIVER — Origen (Spanish for — you guessed it — origin), is defined as the place where something begins or springs into being.

In downtown Fall River that place is 159 South Main St., where a restaurant has been taking shape over the past three months at the long-vacant space — the aptly named Origen Bar & Grill.

Now owners Elvis Verdezoto and Nick Melgar, the latter of whom also owns the Taqueria El Habanero on North Main Street, are in the home stretch. They're gearing up for an early April debut of their Latin American eatery that they hope will add some diversity to the city food scene.

Since news of their upcoming restaurant started making its rounds on social media, Verdezoto said the feedback has been positive, but one thing has been clear.

"People are excited but they want something different," 30-year-old Verdezoto said, noting the recent influx of Mexican eateries in the area.

He points out while they may highlight some Mexican fare, Origen's menu stretches well beyond. "We are a Latin American restaurant," Verdezoto said. "We are bringing diversity ... flavors that people aren't used to they're gonna find at Origen."

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What kind of restaurant is it?

The pair began leasing the 4,781-square-foot restaurant/bar location in December. It had previously housed Tap House Grill, then eventually SADO Asian Fusion restaurant, which closed in September 2019 after only seven months in business.

As they breathe life back into the prime downtown spot, their mission is to make Origen a melting pot of cultures and cuisine.

"We've always been fascinated by food and different cultures... so we tried to find a way to combine all the cultures together into a new flavor and bring it to the city that has given us so many opportunities," said Verdezoto, who moved to Fall River from New Jersey 12 years ago.

Origen will offer a family-friendly atmosphere with a menu centered on Latin American food — pulling recipes from Mexico all the way down to Peru — and heavily influenced by their own heritage. Verdezoto and his wife Maria are Ecuadorian, and Melgar is Honduran.

What's on the menu?

At Origen, Verdezoto said diners can expect authenticity and variety, first and foremost. That includes many traditional Latin American dishes, as well as Latin American twists on typical American fare.

While the menu is still being finalized, Maria Verdezoto — who will be hands-on in the kitchen at the start cooking up many of her own recipes as well as managing the restaurant — served up some highlights.

Those include lomo saltado, a steak stir fry with white rice and french fries, which Maria described as a fusion of Asian and Peruvian cuisine.

A classic Colombian dish they'll be serving up is bandeja paisa, which consists of white rice, chicharrón, beef, chorizo, fried egg, beans and avocado. They'll also feature popular Ecuadorian dishes like ceviche, Dominican plates such as mofongo, and the famous Cuban sandwich, as well as paella, a classic Spanish dish, and empanada pastries from Ecuador and Colombia.

A taste of something new

For the uninitiated, Origen owners said they hope to introduce curious diners to ethnic flavors through familiar American dishes.

"We are trying to attract people with plates or foods that they can be familiar with and then try new tastes within that," Elvis Verdezoto said.

Origen burgers won't be your typical burger, he said, they'll incorporate Hispanic and Brazilian flavors. For example, the Brazilian burger is topped with an egg, bacon, steak fries and avocado.

Chicken wings sauces will also feature a Latin American twist, such as sweet and spicy mango habanero or avocado buffalo.

Their bar, which seats 14 people, will also feature classic drinks like mojitos and margaritas.

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Spicing up the Fall River food scene

For self-proclaimed food lovers like the Verdezotos, the best part is that Fall River residents will no longer have to travel far to find a dining destination with unique cuisine and good service.

"Fall River does not have a place like this .. it needed something like this," said Maria Verdezoto.

While they've been busy the past few months, Elvis Verdezoto said the place needed no major renovations, mostly aesthetic upgrades to add their own style and vibe. They wanted an "old-school, homey feel with a modern look."

The space accommodates 135 people — with both tables and a booth section — offering dine-in and takeout with a full bar as well as a stage set up for live entertainment.

Verdezoto said they anticipate a soft opening the first week of April, with a grand opening to follow.

"We are more than ready and excited," he said.

Hours and days of operation will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., at least at the start.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Latin American restaurant Origen Bar & Grill set to open in Fall River