By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
An already-operating Mexican-themed restaurant specializing in tacos, burritos and other authentic cuisine will be able to add another item to its menu: alcohol.
The Whitewater Plan and Architectural Review Commission June 10 granted a Class “B” beer and Class “C” wine license to Jesus Cortez, the applicant and an employee at Taco Fresco, 175 W. Main St.
In his application materials with the city, Cortez said he and other Taco Fresco staff aim to be good stewards of the licenses granted to the business.
“We will be responsible servers, knowing signs of people and behaviors showing when not to be served,” Cortez wrote.
“Our beers will not be of high alcohol content and will be served with food,” Cortez added. “The lack of hard liquor will make our sales more with food, and our drinks are intended to complement our food – not be on their own.”
Cortez said he and other Taco Fresco staff are working to create a restaurant that not only appeals to college students and other residents within Whitewater, but also serve as a meeting spot that will bring in people from outside the city.
In addition to traditional fare, Taco Fresco is offering several specialty menu items that are not found at all Mexican restaurants, including horchata, a Mexican drink flavored with rice, cinnamon, vanilla and coconut.
The restaurant also features sope, a dish-shaped fresh tortilla that is filled with beans, onions and mozzarella.
Located in the heart of downtown Whitewater, Taco Fresco has occupied a space that was previously occupied by Dapper Dogs. It closed in 2009.
Other business
• The commission approved a request by Antonio Aranda, owner of Aranda Unique Apparel, to make several exterior modifications to his business at 177 W. Main St.
Aranda is making minor modifications to the store’s façade by painting the front black and removing an existing awning. In place of the awning will be Aranda’s signage.
Aranda’s request had been reviewed by the Whitewater Neighborhood Services Department and was forwarded to the commission with a favorable recommendation.
• Also approved were modifications to an exterior entrance at a combined restaurant and upper apartment facility at 146 W. Main St.
Fat Jack’s Sports Bar and Grill operates the first floor of the facility, and the apartment is on the upper level.
Mark Wokasch, co-owner of Fat Jack’s and the entire building, requested modifications to reflect separate entrances in the back of the building for restaurant patrons and for those living in the upper-level apartment.
Commissioners approved Wokasch’s request, and it was recommended favorably by the Neighborhood Services Department.
