Mexican eatery arrives from Oklahoma

BRADENTON - A new Mexican restaurant, with roots extending all the way from Tulsa, Okla., is now open in Bradenton.

Mexicali Border Cafe, at 5502 Cortez Road in the Cortez Commons Plaza, opened March 8. It took the space of the former Durangos Steak House.

"There are a million mom-and-pop Mexican places in Tulsa," said owner Marshall Kottler, who has two other locations stationed in Tulsa. "Bradenton seems like a good opportunity, one that has been a bit void of Mexican food."

Mexicali Border Cafe began in 1987. Kottler worked in the Mexican food industry for 13 years before deciding it was time to create his own restaurant. "I just got sick of working for other people," Kottler said.

Since the new location opened, Kottler has been surprised how many patrons here have eaten at one of his Tulsa locations. "It's a blast when people from Bradenton tell me they've been to a Mexicali before," Kottler said.

The privately owned company has done no advertising. "It's all been word of mouth and we're fine with that," Kottler said. "We have been extremely busy."

Future plans include a catering business and deliveries to local businesses.

"I'm ecstatic with the response we've gotten here in Bradenton," Kottler said.

The restaurant has a large lunch menu, an early bird special and happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. It's open through dinner each night and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Every Mexican dish is cooked to order, including trendy Mexican dishes such as spinach-filled enchiladas. Specialty dishes will hit the menu in the near future.

The inside of the restaurant includes neon lighting, old Spanish-language movie posters and a full bar with a big screen television.

"Our standards are very high," Kottler said. "Our goal is to run the best restaurant in Bradenton."

The 6,400-square-foot restaurant holds 250 patrons and has about 85 employees, including general manager Joe Martin, who will oversee the entire Bradenton operation.

"When we open our doors, we're inviting our friends in for a party, which doesn't end 'til the end of every day," Martin said.

Rich Unger, Sarasota-based restaurant and nightclub consultant, believes that the Bradenton area is open to any restaurant right now, especially a Mexican one.

"Bradenton is like a boom town for restaurants right now; nothing could go wrong there unless the service is bad," Unger said. "A moderately priced Mexican restaurant is ideal for northwest Bradenton, which is an area that's been craving some tacos and enchiladas."