Gary and Mary Schwartz of Merrill announce the completion of an agreement that will result in an authentic Mexican restaurant opening in Merrill this fall. El Mezcal will be located between the AmericInn Lodge & Suites and Pine Ridge Mobil on Hwy 64 East in Merrill.
“We gratefully acknowledge that Mayor Bialecki and other city officials were instrumental in making this new restaurant a reality,” stated Mary Schwartz.
Mayor Bialecki noted that in a recent City Survey, dining options was one of the areas the citizens of Merrill mentioned as needing improvement. So, when the city was approached by Fred Juan and Victor Ceron wanting to open an authentic Mexican restaurant, Bialecki did offer them suggestions of whom to contact.
“The restaurant will expand the tax base of Merrill and that’s a very good thing,” Bialecki said.
El Mezcal currently has restaurants in central Wisconsin in Wausau, Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids. The Merrill site will provide seating for 136 patrons at tables and booths, with additional seating for 8 at the bar.
The restaurant will be built by the Schwartz’s and leased to El Mezcal.
According to Gary Schwartz, the ground breaking for the new restaurant building will be in late June or early July, with a completion goal of fall.
“I think it’s a great fit for Merrill and will enhance this entrance to our city,” Gary Schwartz said. “It’ll also help to ramp up the development pace that has been set by city leadership.”