The owner of the Little Mexico restaurants in Jacksonville and surrounding communities is making plans to add a new location in Springfield.
Hector Alvarado and his wife, Neri Hernandez, have purchased the former Paris Cleaners location at 910 South Grand Ave., which they hope to turn into their fourth Little Mexico restaurant.
Alvarado is seeking zoning permission from the city of Springfield to construct an addition to the west and south sides of the Paris Cleaners building for the planned restaurant. However, Ana Saldana, office manager for Little Mexico, said the building expansion would reduce the number of parking spots at the property, possibly leaving Little Mexico two spots short of the number required by the city. She said the restaurant owners are seeking a solution to the potential parking problem and are scheduled to make a presentation to city officials in mid-February in hopes of securing zoning approval for the project.
Alvarado and Hernandez opened the first Little Mexico in Jacksonville in 2016, then went on to add restaurants in Beardstown and then in Virginia, Illinois.
“They have really been wanting to expand into Springfield as well and have driven there so many times looking for the perfect spot to buy,” Saldana said. She said they liked the location of the 910 South Grand site, although the building is too small to allow for the kitchen and dining space they would need for a restaurant, which is why they are seeking approval for the expansion plans.
“The biggest thing Hector and Neri fell in love with was the community surrounding the building,” Saldana said.
Paris Cleaners closed in 2019. Conn’s Hospitality Group, which operates Obed & Isaac’s Microbrewery and Wm. Van’s Cafe, purchased the property and in 2020 announced plans to open a neighborhood pub at the site, although that development failed to move forward.
“We’re doing everything we can to bring this building back to life and open up a Mexican restaurant there,” Saldana said.