El Vaquero to open this month
El Vaquero, a Mexican-style restaurant and buffet, is scheduled to open later this month at Back Creek Centre, at University City Boulevard and Pavilion Boulevard.Maria Rivera said her family is based in Southern Pines and operates two other restaurants there with the same name, which means cowboy.
The 113-seat Charlotte restaurant will serve lunch and dinner. The planned menu and buffet are more Tex-Mex than authentic Mexican, Rivera said.
Maria's Grill of Derita now open
Maria's Grill of Derita opened Wednesday in the space that until December housed Maddie's Grill.
The owners are Maria and Pete Koutsoupias, who also own Tryon House Restaurant at 130 Eastway Drive. They'll serve lunch and dinner at Maria's Grill.
"We're thrilled to death," reported longtime Maddie's and Tryon House customer Nancy Ratcliffe on opening day. "We know their food and how they run their business."
Not much has changed except the name. There are a few additions to the menu of home-style foods, including specialty sandwiches and subs. The lunch menu includes a number of daily specials for $6.25.
Hours are 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays. Details: 704-921-6370. Restaurant Notes | Karen Sullivan
