Mal Pan Group is getting ready to open two Mexican restaurants at Plaza Midwood, located at Central Avenue and The Plaza.
El Malo and its sister concept Hermanita are opening in a small shopping center across the street from Harris Teeter, according to Charlotte Business Journal. The two new concepts will sit next to Dave’s Hot Chicken, presumably in the former home of The Hair Palace at 1709 Central Avenue, Suite D, and Cloudzilla Tobacco & Vape at 1711 Central Ave. Construction on both 1,400 square feet eateries will take about six months, possibly opening sometime around early April 2024.
“Plaza, with all the restaurants and bars around there, could use a more traditional Mexican taco shop,” Mal Pan Group owner Andre Lomeli tells the Business Journal. “We thought it was a fantastic location, and we just decided it was time. We’re seeing growth every year.”
Both concepts will capture the vibes of Mexico with furnishings and finishes coming from the country. El Malo will resemble an authentic street taco stop with plenty of options, including tacos al pastor off the spindle, birria tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and nachos. The corn and flour tortillas, salsas, sauces, and chips are all made in-house, with alcoholic options, including Mexican beer and spiked slushies. Lomeli’s Father, Rosendo Lomeli, helped with the menu as he did with Mal Pan.
El Malo’s sister concept, Hermanita, will be Mal Pan Group’s first cocktail concept, featuring live music and DJs, as well as a patio and sports viewing. Customers can expect a tavern-style bar with plenty of traditional Mexican cocktails and a mezcal service. Hermanita will serve food, but specific details have yet to be revealed. Construction on both concepts should cost roughly $800,000.
