Downtown Mazatlan could open by end of the year

Plans for mexican restaurant move forward with a cozier atmosphere, regional dishes in mind

Chris Albert

For a number of years, customers at area Mazatlans have asked “When are you going to open a restaurant in downtown Puyallup,” said Alfonso Quiroz, who previously had helped operate some of the restaurants.

If all goes as planned one will be opening at the old Jean’s Direct Outlet by November, said Quiroz, owner of the new restaurant.

“The word gets around,” he said.

His uncle, Andres Cardenas, founded Mazatlan and Quiroz has worked for him at several locations. This time, though, Cardenas wanted his nephew to partner with him to open a 12th restaurant.

“We hadn’t even signed the lease yet and people were asking when are you guys open,” Qurioz said. “It’s nerve wrecking when you try to open a new place but when you hear that, it’s going to make it easier.”

Right now, the city of Puyallup is reviewing permits for the restaurant to began renovations of the location.

Usually the two parties go over different requirements and requests, said Tom Utterback, city planner. After everything is reviewed and submitted, hopefully permits to begin the renovations can be issues.

“They’re in with us and we’re hoping to keep them moving along,” Utterback said.

The renovations call for a cozy and comfortable restaurant, Quiroz said.

“It’s not going to be a huge thing like the other Mazatlans,” he said.

The atmosphere won’t be the only thing different, Qurioz said. They plan to introduce meals from different regions in Mexico.

If it’s a hit, the dishes could be offered in other Mazatlans.

Depending on what kind of morning crowd they get, they might offer breakfast.

Either way, the restaurant will make a great place for people to stop by and eat or maybe have a margarita, Quiroz said.

Reach Reporter Chris Albert at 253-841-2481 Ext. 313 or by e-mail at chris.albert@puyallupherald.com.