ELBURN – Elburn resident Alex Lopez hopes to bring new life to the former Chico’s Tacos restaurant that was owned and operated by his father, Felipe Lopez.

Along with a new name, Mi Pueblito (which means my little town, in honor of Elburn) will have a bar in the back and serve margaritas, as well as a selection of beers and micheladas (sometimes referred to as a Mexican bloody mary). Micheladas are prepared with lime juice and assorted sauces, spices and peppers and served in a chilled, salt-rimmed glass, Lopez said.

In addition to standard Mexican fare of tacos, burritos, fajitas and enchiladas, Lopez is expanding the menu to include chilis rellenos, carne asada, shrimp and mahi mahi tacos. Carnitas will also be served on weekends. Carnitas, which literally means “little meats,” is the Mexican answer to American pulled pork. It's made with pork shoulder, simmered for hours. This makes the meat especially tender and juicy.

Breakfast dishes, such as huevos con chorizo (eggs with sausage), huevos rancheros and chilaquiles, will also be available. Lopez said the food is authentic, with many dishes made from recipes of his mother and grandmother.

The restaurant is open for business even as renovations to the interior are underway. In addition to the new bar, Lopez said he intends to replace the former ceiling with new tile and repaint the walls. He said the changes should make the restaurant look bigger and brighter. He hopes all work will be done within a couple weeks.

Lopez and his father came to the Village Board meeting March 6 to request approval of a new liquor license. The old license for Chico’s Tacos expired in October 2016. Armed with the new liquor license, Lopez said he will now apply to the state for a gambling license that would allow five video gaming machines in the restaurant.

The original restaurant was opened in 2012, with a liquor license granted in 2013.

“We’re glad you’re still here,” said Village President Dave Anderson, after the liquor license was approved.

Although his father, Felipe Lopez, will be "retired," the younger Lopez said he still will be around the business.

“It was just too much for one person," he said.

The restaurant, located off Route 47 south of Route 38 at 107 Valley Drive, opens daily at 10 a.m. It closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For information, call 630-962-2001.