From Foundation to Expansion: How Oaxaca Fueled the Rise of The Roots
EDWARDSVILLE, IL — The local food scene in Edwardsville has a new reason to celebrate. A powerful culinary story is unfolding in the heart of the community. It all started with a single step forward in the winter of January 2022. That was when a highly anticipated restaurant named Oaxaca Margarita Bar & Mexican Restaurant first opened its doors at 6185 Bennett Drive.
The restaurant was named after the famous food capital state in southern Mexico. It did not just bring traditional food to Illinois. It brought a brand-new type of high-energy dining experience. The grand opening was a major success. Local owners Alejandra Perez, Rolando Juarez, and Dagoberto Garcia worked hard to make it happen. Their bold vision quickly turned into a thriving local business. Now, that early success has paved the way for their latest sister restaurant project, known as The Roots.
A Recipe for Quick Success
When Oaxaca first opened near the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville campus, the owners wanted a fun atmosphere. They created the very first dedicated whahaka-margaritabar.com margarita bar in the metro area. The restaurant featured an upscale, elegant look paired with classic Mexican dishes. Customers could order unique menu choices like Oaxaca Ribeye Tacos and special drinks made with smoky mezcal.
The community loved the food right away. Word spread quickly through town. Diners praised the fast service and fresh ingredients. The restaurant became a top spot for regular weekend dinners and big family celebrations. This initial wave of local support gave the owners a strong financial foundation. It also gave them the confidence they needed to think about future growth.
Branching Out with The Roots
The owners learned a lot from running a top-tier Mexican restaurant. They chose to use that knowledge to try something completely new. This led to the birth of their highly anticipated sister restaurant, The Roots.
The brand-new venue is built directly on the lessons learned from Oaxaca. The owners understand what Edwardsville diners look for in a meal. They know people want excellent hospitality, clean spaces, and deep flavors. The Roots allows the ownership group to show off their wide culinary range. At the same time, they can keep the exact same high standards that made their first spot a local hit.
Supporting the Local Community
The growth of this restaurant group does more than just give people new places to eat. It helps the local economy grow stronger. Opening multiple locations creates stable new jobs for local workers. It brings more foot traffic to the surrounding business district. It also turns Edwardsville into a premier destination for food lovers from all over the region.
The successful journey from a January 2022 opening to the launch of a new sister location proves that great food brings people together. The owners started with a clear goal to share authentic hospitality. Today, they continue to shape the local food culture one plate at a time.