By By JESSICA SIEFF / Niles Daily Star
NILES – At the grand opening of Ricky's Taqueria on Friday, President and CEO of the Four Flags Area Chamber of Commerce, Ron Sather preempted the traditional ribbon cutting by telling attendees – including representative Neal Nitz, administrator for the city Terry Eull, – "you're looking at kind of a self made success story."
He was speaking of owner Lorenzo Reyes and his experience coming to the United States from Mexico in 1986, laboring in construction and more recently entering into a successful relationship with Jesus Rojas as co-owner of 'Ricky's Restaurant' in Elkhart, Ind.
The restaurant received praise by a local newspaper when a columnist declared Ricky's burrito as the "best in the county." Rojas went on to open a second location under his sole ownership with the name 'Ricky's Taqueria,' also in Elkhart. Reyes opens this third location, co-owned by his brother, Jimmy Reyes.
The 'Taqueria,' Reyes said, differs from the restaurant in its offerings and style. The restaurant in Elkhart, Reyes said, consists of more plates and entrees, while the two Taquerias focus on quicker eats – perfect for a busy lunch crowd.
There are two distinctly different tastes between authentic Mexican food – and the more traditionally American style Mexican food found at fast food restaurants like Taco Bell, Reyes will say. "Taco Bell is more American," he said. "Here, is 100% Mexican."
That idea is evident from the menu alone. Ricky's boasts a variety of tacos, served on warmed tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro and onions – with choices that include favorites like ground beef, chicken and steak as well as tripe, chorizo (Mexican sausage) and "lengua" – tongue.
Along with Ricky's "famous burritos", the menu offers gorditas, quesadillas, tostadas, an array of appetizers and even an assortment of seafood items.
After working in construction for so long, Reyes said he got into the restaurant business with Rojas when he began to feel the strain from so many years of manual labor. Still, the location – at 60 E. Main St. – had to be renovated into the open and airy space it is now, and Reyes says he did a lot of the work himself. Inside, along with the open kitchen, the walls are decorated with a few Mexican themed accessories and painted in a calming avocado green.
"This place has been just waiting for you," said Lisa Croteau of Niles Main Street.
Reyes isn't too worried about neighboring Mexican restaurants. "The competition is good," he said. His goal? "To be number one in Niles. I'll try. I'll try." Reyes said he uses the fresh meat that he purchases from Chicago – and says that adds to the unique taste of his food. The restaurant opened for business a couple of weeks prior to the official grand opening, and Reyes said, "Niles – the city – are very nice people."
At the grand opening, Nitz attendees seemed excited to welcome a new restaurant with new flavors to downtown Niles. "I think small business is the lifeblood of the state and the nation's economy," said Nitz as he welcomed Reyes to the city. "We appreciate you coming to Niles," said Don White, chairman of the board at the chamber.
Reyes, admittedly nervous, thanked everyone and wore a humble face – just before offering to treat everyone at the grand opening to lunch on the house.
Ricky's Taqueria is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.elrickysrestaurant.com.