Jan. 26—HENDERSON — Miguel Araiza knows what some Tri-County residents will think about the former Golden Corral building on North Cooper Drive now being home to a Mexican restaurant.
"'Another Mexican restaurant?' " Araiza imagines them saying. "But that's when the magic begins. Once they come back, they will realize it's not just another Mexican restaurant."
Araiza is part-owner and regional manager of Mezcalito, which plans to open for takeout as soon as Feb. 7. The restaurant's dining room won't be open until its liquor license is approved, which is expected to take two to five weeks.
Mezcalito, owned by Raleigh's Jose Jimenez, has locations in Goldsboro, Clayton and Beaufort although each operates as a separate business entity.
Jimenez and Araiza, both natives of Mexico City, have worked as restaurateurs in North Carolina for the last 20 years, running Mexican eateries with other partners under various brands other than Mezcalito.
Araiza has been commuting to Henderson from his home in Clayton recently to prepare for the opening, and says Mezcalito offers a "twist" on the traditional Mexican restaurant experience. That means, in part, authentic Mexican fare while still including Tex-Mex favorites.
It also means quality beef (ribeye), a fine variety of tequilas, margaritas with freshly-squeed juices, and modern decor including wood wall paneling and an abundance of greenery.
No, the restaurant interior no longer resembles a Golden Corral.
"We're still a Mexican restaurant," Araiza said. "We still offer some of the old dishes: enchiladas, burritos, hard shell tacos, rice and beans."
One of their biggest sellers at other locations has been the ACP, or Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken). Mezcalito adds to that options of cheese dip, grilled onions and poblano peppers, steak, shrimp, and salsas.
Araiza settled in Raleigh after moving from Mexico, having first visited the U.S. in 1993 before returning for good. At first, he missed the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Mexico City, but he gradually grew to love the change of seasons and more peaceful nature of the Triangle.
Araiza and his business partners believe they have their niche in bringing restaurants like Mezcalito to smaller cities.
The Tri-County's modest, but growing Hispanic population isn't lost on Araiza.
"I believe they are the ones who appreciate the most that we open up a place like this," Araiza said specifically of the area's Mexican-American community. "And the word spreads really fast. They will come from other places as well just to try it out. ... They'll start coming from Franklinton — you name it. Trust me, they're all going to be here."