MIFFLIN — The historic downtown Mifflin Inn has kicked-off another chapter on the establishment’s remarkable journey, officially housing Chuy’s Tacos and Margaritas, the area’s newest authentic Mexican restaurant.
Michelle Hicks and Jesus “Chuy” Davalos opened the restaurant on April 29 in the historic building. However, this is not Davalos’s first rodeo; the restauranteur has ties with multiple locations including Mansfield’s El Campestre and Los Mayas, as well as Tito’s Cantina and Grill in Lexington.
Davalos also owns Pancho’s Tacos in Mansfield. He has been building his career in the restaurant management business for the majority of his life, in pursuance of what he branded his “American dream.”
“I have other restaurants and I try to be a little bit different with each one,” Davalos said. “When you own (a restaurant) by yourself, you can do more.
“We have different flavors, and that is why people started loving it.”
Davalos enjoys experimenting with unique and traditional flavorings and seasonings to create one-of-a-kind dishes.
Hicks and Davalos have known each other for over a decade. Four years ago, Hicks became affiliated with Pancho’s Tacos.
“We were looking for a place to open in Ashland, but we could not find one that fit our needs,” Hicks said. “So, when this (location) became available, we were like, ‘OK, let’s do it!
“We have people coming from everywhere. We are close to Mansfield; we are close to Ashland; we’re close to Butler, Loudonville etc.”
Chuy’s Tacos and Margaritas features an outdoor seating area and can occupy over 100 patrons. The site has a rich historic background; it even saw the likes of Johnny Appleseed, who was known to sleep at the location during the 1800s.
The original structure burned down in 1940, but was quickly resurrected in 1941.
Chuy’s Tacos and Margaritas menu showcases a multitude of delicacies including authentic Mexican cuisine. The bar also has several Mexican beers on tap as well as approximately 15 different flavors of margaritas including jalapeño and mango habanero.
Hick’s father, Frank, is not too fond of Mexican food, so the restaurant even added a burger on the menu named after the man.
Davalos commended Hicks and the staff’s hard work in laying the foundation to what he believes will be a successful eatery.
“We can be a team,” said Davalos. “We need to help each other and finish altogether.
“If someone is behind, help them. That is what will make us successful.”
Chuy’s Tacos and Margaritas is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. The restaurant is located at 35 Main St. in Mifflin.
