Downtown Morton is set to welcome a new culinary addition as a local entrepreneur prepares to open a craft Mexican restaurant in the space formerly occupied by Verandah Cocina Latina. The establishment closed abruptly in October, leaving a void in the heart of the downtown area. The new venture aims to bring a fresh dining experience to the community, with hopes of opening by mid-March.
Key Takeaways
- A new craft Mexican restaurant is slated to open in downtown Morton.
- The new eatery will occupy the space previously held by Verandah Cocina Latina.
- The restaurant’s opening is contingent on liquor license approval.
- The previous restaurant, Verandah, closed unexpectedly in October.
A New Chapter for Jefferson Street
The building at 120 W. Jefferson St., located on the street level of the Jefferson Place apartment complex, has been vacant since Verandah Cocina Latina ceased operations. Drew Leman of Leman Property Management confirmed that the space has been purchased by a local woman who plans to establish a small, craft Mexican restaurant. This move brings renewed activity to a prime downtown location.
Verandah’s Abrupt Closure
Verandah Cocina Latina, which opened in February 2024, closed its doors just before Morton High School’s Homecoming weekend. The sudden closure caused inconvenience for those who had made reservations. Leman mentioned that the previous owners had been looking to sell the space for a couple of months, and the building owner had even provided financial assistance for outdoor seating due to concerns about the restaurant’s performance.
Anticipation for the New Establishment
Leman expressed optimism about the new restaurant and its owner, stating that she is a well-known figure in the area. The primary hurdle for the opening is the approval of the establishment’s liquor license. Once this is secured, the community can look forward to experiencing what is expected to be a vibrant addition to Morton’s dining scene. The space has seen previous occupants, including Unum Fine Wine & Whiskey, which operated there before Verandah.
Verandah was the second business to occupy the space, with Armando and Isaac Velazquez as its owners. Isaac Velazquez managed the restaurant while his father commuted between California and Illinois. The restaurant offered a menu that included both Mexican and American cuisine.
