Construction continues on the newest El Mazatlan location in Glasgow. The location, pictured here, is next door to Applebees and across the street from Walmart in Glasgow.
(BRENNAN CRAIN/WCLU NEWS)
By BRENNAN D. CRAIN, WCLU News
GLASGOW — Construction is drawing to a close at the newest El Mazatlan location.
The sprawling Mexican restaurant chain operates locations across Kentucky and Illinois, said co-owner Victor Garcia. Most of the restaurants are located in southern Kentucky, including five in Bowling Green, two in Barren County and one in Hart and Simpson counties.
“We just feel something for Glasgow,” Garcia said. “It’s very special.”
The first El Mazatlan location opened in Glasgow over 20 years ago in the building of the former La Casa Migos. The location was at the corner of Wall Street and Cherry Street – now a bank.
The restaurant moved to its current location just a few hundred feet behind the current-day German American Bank. Locals identify the restaurant as the one “on the hill,” given its placement on a prominent slope.
But the location “on the hill” will soon be no more.
El Mazatlan is building a more modern and spacious location along Happy Valley Road near Applebees and Walmart. The restaurant is expected to be opened in late March and the current location will be closed.
“God has blessed us a lot,” Garcia said. “We’re very excited.”
Aside from its outdoor seating and drive-thru window, the location will feature a “beautiful bar,” Garcia said. The restaurant is also working on plans to serve breakfast from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The site was home to nothing more than a grassy lot several months ago but has since been leveled and built upon. Garcia said he looks forward to how the restaurant will add to the area as motorists enter Glasgow.
“We just feel like Glasgow needed and deserved a nicer location than we can offer where we’re currently at,” said Henry Escheverria, a manager at El Mazatlan.
The last bit of construction will focus on the outside of the restaurant. There are also plans to hire 15-20 more people to staff the new location.
