Mexican restaurant to open in West Dundee next month

A new Mexican restaurant is scheduled to open next month in West Dundee.

Taqueria El Tio Ramos, at 535 S. Eighth St., will offer a casual, family-friendly atmosphere with authentic Mexican cuisine, Community Development Director Tim Scott said.

"Especially in that particular area, we don't really have that kind of (independent) restaurant nearby," Scott said, noting that its location along Route 31 has been vacant for years. "It fills a void."

Real estate broker Victor Jimenez said opening a restaurant would not be a first for business partners Maria de las Mercedes Perez Garcia and Ramos Villa-Mueva.

The restaurateurs originally opened Taqueria El Tio Ramos in a rented location in Cary, where business "skyrocketed," Jimenez said. But when it came time to renew their lease, he said, the landlord decided instead to open her own establishment.

"They're very hardworking people," Jimenez said. "But basically overnight, they were left without a place."

About three months ago, the restaurant owners were connected with Jimenez to find a new place, he said. Plans for the West Dundee location came together within the past month.

"The fun part is to see the interest in our town and try to facilitate the conversation," Scott said.

The restaurateurs are currently working with the village and the county to obtain appropriate permits and approvals, Scott said. They are also in the midst of freshening up the facility, he said.

Because the location was formerly used as a restaurant, it already has the foundation of a kitchen and can hold about 48 seats, Scott said.

"The improvements are largely cosmetic, which makes the process a lot quicker," he said.

Jimenez said the menu will include a variety of tacos, wraps, burritos and other Mexican dishes.

"The food is very good with very large portion sizes, which is one staple that separates them from everyone else," he said. "(West Dundee residents) won't be disappointed."