When the popular El Amigo Pepe restaurant closed last month, many were left wondering where in Niles they would turn to get quality Mexican food.

It did not take long to get an answer.

The family-owned Taqueria Don Chepe opened Dec. 14 at 1140 S. 11th St. — the same location that housed El Amigo Pepe for eight years.

Peter Mendoza, who runs the restaurant with his sister, Magnolia, said they would offer authentic Mexican cuisine, as opposed to Tex-Mex.

“We are trying to offer the authentic Mexican food — straight up authentic Mexican food,” he said. “The food is great, but I will leave that for the customers to find out.

“If they want something authentic, this is the place to get it.”

Peter, who lives in Eau Claire, said his family has been in the food service industry for more than a decade.

His father, Jose, has been the main cook at multiple Michiana area restaurants, including La Perla in Benton Harbor.

Peter said his mother, Juana Blanco, would help out Jose in the kitchen and that he would float between there and the dining area with his sister.

“We are family owned and operated,” he said, adding that the name “Don Chepe” is a nickname for his father, Jose.

Lupe Fernandez, who worked at El Amigo Pepe, is sticking around at Taqueria Don Chepe.

“She is my right hand,” Peter said. “She knows the customers.”

The menu includes what most would expect from a Mexican restaurant, including enchiladas, quesadillas, tortas, tacos and burritos.

A medium burrito is $4.89 and a large is $6.99.

The weekend menu will include carnitas, barbacoa and menudo.

Food is available for dine in or carry out.

The restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Call at (269) 635-5225 or check the business out on Facebook by searching for Taqueria Don Chepe.

The Mendozas are leasing the building and Peter said they purchased the kitchen equipment from former El Amigo Pepe owner Jose Mendez.