With a sign that reads “caution, this food will cause you to lick your fingers” customers have long been tempted by the promise of authentic Mexican food at El Amigo Pepe, 226 E. Main St.

This week, customers will have to wait no longer. El Amigo Pepe will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday for its grand opening day.

The menu will feature customer favorites like the burrito loco — a 15-inch taco shell stuffed with ground beef, chicken, steak, pork, Mexican sausage, rice, beans, vegetables, cheese and avocados, as well as homemade chips, salsa, horchata and burgers and vegetarian items.

Last week, business owners Ana and Jose Mendez worked to put the final touches on the restaurant. Their daughters, Gabriela Morales and Mayra Ortiz currently work as co-managers.

“It’s exciting,” Morales said. “We are ready.”

She said the only worry the family had about opening day was enough parking for the deluge of customers who have expressed interest in the restaurant’s opening via Facebook.

“We have had quite a bit of response on Facebook,” Morales said. “Everybody is pretty excited.”

Both Ana and Jose grew up in Mexico, where they first found their passion for cooking. Ana wanted to attribute the family’s roots to the atmosphere. Adorning the ceiling are large metal stars from Mexico. A mural and traditional window dressings also decorate the wall of the restaurant.

“She wanted to make sure it had an authentic look. We tried to make sure we were staying up to date with the new businesses that have opened [in downtown Niles],” Morales said.

The goal was also to create a family friendly atmosphere, where people could enjoy their finger-licking food.  The restaurant will seat 49 people.

“It was my idea, but everybody helped,” Ana said. “We work together.”

Ana and Jose had initially targeted the month of July for the restaurant’s opening date, but catering plans and demand for their concession’s trailer at an array of local events kept the family busy.

“It was super busy,” Morales said. “Over the years, [Jose] has gained a reputation. Some people go to an event to eat his food. It was nonstop.”

Jose and Ana have more than 20 years of experience operating a restaurant. Prior to moving to Niles, they ran a restaurant in Michigan City. Throughout the years, Each of the Mendez’s five children has helped the family to operate the business. In 2004, they opened El Amigo Pepe as a brick and mortar restaurant on Fifth Street in Niles. In lieu of the restaurant, they also operated a concession’s trailer. Later, the family relocated to their restaurant to S. 11th Street, but in 2015, they decided to focus on operating the food truck. The truck could be found in the warmer months and was often be spotted at an array of local events from the Niles Bluegrass Festival to the Berrien County Youth Fair.

The family thanked the customers for their continued support of the business throughout the years.

“We have very loyal customers,” Morales said. “We can’t even begin to show our appreciation toward them. It is amazing to see their loyalty. We have had quite a buzz.”

Carry-out and dine-in options will be available to customers. To order, customers can call (269) 683-1942.

Where: El Amigo Pepe, 226 E. Main St.

When: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday

For more: facebook.com/pg/ElAmigoPepeNiles/posts/?ref=page_internal