 Ernesto Leon has opened his Rio Grande Authentic Mexican Restaurant
on the city's far west side, at 3091 Woodlawn Road.
Leon's restaurant is not a part of the Rio Grande chain, and
there is a difference in the names. He said that he is an
independent restaurateur, and the Lincoln location is his only
store.
However, Leon is no stranger to the restaurant business and
Mexican cuisine.
Born in Mexico, he said that even as a child he loved cooking and
knew that one of his goals for the future would be to own his own
restaurant.
When Leon came to the United States, he lived first in Colorado,
and there he opened his first restaurant in 1996.
Later the family moved to Decatur and opened another restaurant.
Leon said that he found the Midwest to be similar to Mexico in
agricultural production and that seeing the fields of corn made him
feel like he was right at home.
However, as the father of a 3-year-old daughter, he said that in
reading the newspapers, watching the news and paying attention to
what was going on in the educational systems in Decatur, he and his
wife became concerned for their daughter's future.
They felt like it was in the best interest of their family to
relocate to a community with a sound education system.
They also felt that a community smaller than Decatur would be
best for raising their daughter.
As they looked around for a new town, they came to Lincoln and
found everything they were looking for.
Leon noted that the town was smaller, safer and that they were
well satisfied with what they had learned about the schools in the
community.
Finding a location just off the interstate was an added perk that
he knew would help his business grow.
Inside the restaurant the Southwestern motif offers terra
cotta-colored walls and artisan tables and chairs featuring brightly
colored Southwestern folk art.
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The restaurant offers tables for family gatherings and booths with
high backs for a more private dining experience.
Rio Grande is a full-service restaurant, with a host or hostess
on duty, servers, and meals placed before patrons on real plates.
Leon says that the prices are affordable, and they strive to
offer prompt service.
In addition to authentic Mexican dishes, the restaurant also
offers steak, chicken and seafood.
The Mexican portion of the menu is designed to satisfy any
palate, from those who want authentic Mexican spice to those who
prefer their dishes a bit milder.
The restaurant is open seven days a week, 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Mixed drinks and beer are offered with meals, and the restaurant
runs daily lunch specials.
Plans for the future include outside patio service in the warmer
months and the addition of a drive-through for those who want to
take dinner home to enjoy.
The restaurant does offer carryout, and folks can come in and
order, or call ahead and their meals will be ready for them to pick
up when they arrive.
Leon said that he and his family are very happy with the decision
they have made to come to Lincoln.
He said that they have been treated very well by everyone and
have found the community to be very friendly and welcoming.
[By NILA SMITH]
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