One of the strengths of any city’s cuisine scene is the diversity of its offerings.

In most major cities, one can wander down any given street and find a plethora of different dining options: from the tried-and-true American burger stand to more exotic places serving everything from Indonesian and Persian dishes.

Unfortunately, smaller cities such as Niles or Dowagiac often have more limited options.

While there is nothing wrong with classic standbys bacon and eggs or steak and fries, sometimes it is refreshing to give the taste buds a new taste to experience. For those living in our area, that often means a road trip to somewhere out of town.

It is for this reason that we are excited about some of the new restaurants that are popping up around our local communities.

Over the past week or so, one new business has been generating some buzz in Dowagiac, months before it actually opens it doors.

Railway Café owners Nicole Tienda and Larry Stack have recently announced plans to open a new Mexican restaurant downtown, in the former Foodies storefront on Front Street. Tentatively named A Taste of Mexico: La Tienda, the restaurant will offer traditional Mexican fare, including carnitas, chilaquiles, barbacoa, gorditas, sopes and more.

Tienda also said she plans on selling Mexican groceries at the restaurant, such as torillas, spices and salsas.

She and Stack are hoping to open by June 1.

For Dowagiac, the addition of such a restaurant will make a terrific addition to its growing portfolio of places to eat.

While Mexican cuisine is a staple of most American households these days, finding a great place to enjoy a great burrito or some huevos rancheros can be challenging, especially somewhere like Dowagiac, where the closest Mexican restaurant is located in Sister Lakes or Niles.

Not only that, but it gives local diners another flavor to enjoy close to home. Variety is the spice of life, as they say, and that is certainly true with dining out as it is anywhere else.

It is also great to see places like this open, because it breathes new life into familiar sites, especially those that have been closed down like Foodies has.

This is true in Niles as well.

Pitmaster Jim Morris has taken the once-closed Paris Restaurant and Soda Shoppe and transformed it into a hot new destination downtown. Combining his passion for BBQ with the sweet desserts Paris was previously known for, Morris’ new Paris Soda Co. has become a popular spot for Niles eaters.

We hope to see more business owners follow suit and continue to bring new twists to our community.

Opinions expressed are those of the editorial board consisting of General Manager Ambrosia Neldon and editors Scott Novak and Ted Yoakum.