New Mexican Eatery to Spice Up Waterville’s Food Scene

Summary of the Article – “Charros’ Theater Mexican Restaurant to Open in Waterville”

• New Restaurant:
• Name: Charros’ Theater Mexican Restaurant
• Location: 14 silver St., Waterville (the former State Theater building)
• Opening: Planned for later this month, pending final approvals.

• Owner/manager:
• Juan Carlos Sanchez, 23 years old, previously managed restaurants in Georgia.
• The building is owned by his father,José Sanchez,whose family has a long‑standing construction business in the area.

• Concept & Menu:
• Family‑kind Mexican eatery in a renovated space that previously housed Cancún Mexican Restaurant (closed in 2021).
• Core items: tacos, burritos, fajitas, carnitas (deep‑fried then lightly grilled pork shoulder).
• Special items: a Mexican‑style cheesecake (sweeter crust and cake) and rotating monthly/bi‑weekly specials that may become permanent menu fixtures.
• Served with rice, beans, flour tortilla, and green salsa.

• Historical Context:
• The site has a rich entertainment history: originally the Silver Theater, later the State Theatre (post‑1941), before becoming a restaurant space (Steve’s Restaurant → Cancún).
• “Charros” refers to Mexican cowboys, early movie stars, tying the new name to the building’s theater past.
• No formal connection to the previous Cancún restaurant, which was shut down in 2021 after health‑code violations and earlier police complaints about late‑night crowds and undocumented‑worker controversies.

• city Council Action:
• Waterville City Council welcomed Sanchez and unanimously approved:
• Food license
• Liquor license
• Special amusement license (allows limited entertainment).
• Goal: ensure a safe, family‑oriented environment, especially for weekend and post‑church dining.

• Operating Hours (once opened):
• Mon‑Thu: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
• Fri‑Sat: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
• Sun: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

• Visual Highlights (photos described in the article):
• Owner Juan Carlos Sánchez posing in front of the restaurant.
• A child‑prodigy violinist’s poster displayed above a booth, nodding to the theater heritage.
• Restored “star” ceiling lights from the building’s cinema days.

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Key Takeaways

1. New family‑focused Mexican dining option is set to revitalize a historic downtown Waterville space.
2. Owner’s local ties (building owned by his father) and prior restaurant experience aim to differentiate Charros’ from the troubled legacy of the former Cancún location.
3. City Council support (full licensing) underscores municipal confidence that the venue will be a safe, community‑oriented establishment.
4. historical branding-the name “Charros” and theater‑themed décor-connects the restaurant to the building’s cinematic past, offering a unique ambience for patrons.

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what Sets New Mexican Cuisine Apart?

Signature Ingredients

• Red and Green Chile – The cornerstone of New Mexican cooking, harvested from the Hatch Valley and used in everything from stews to sauces.
• Blue Corn – Customary tortillas, chips, and cornbread made with nutrient‑rich heirloom corn.
• Posole & Carne Adovada – Slow‑cooked pork in a chile‑laden broth, delivering deep, smoky flavor.

Distinct Cooking Techniques

1. Roasting – Whole chiles are fire‑roasted, peeled, and re‑hydrated for a smoky base.
2. Stovetop Simmering – Soups and chilies develop complexity over low, steady heat.
3. Grilling – Street‑style tacos and carne asada receive a charred finish that locks in juices.

waterville‘s Evolving Food Landscape

Current Culinary Trends in Waterville

• Farm‑to‑Table – Partnerships with local farms like Waterville Harvest Co. are driving seasonal menus.
• Global Fusion – Restaurants blend New England seafood with international flavors.
• Craft Beverage Pairings – Microbreweries and cideries are curating menus that complement spicy dishes.

Why a New Mexican Eatery Fits Perfectly

• Meets the growing demand for authentic regional Mexican experiences.
• Adds spice-driven diversity to a market dominated by classic Italian and American comfort foods.
• Aligns with tourist interest in culinary adventures, boosting downtown foot traffic.

The New Mexican Eatery: Key details

Location & Opening Timeline

• Address: 122 Main Street,Waterville,ME – situated in the revitalized Riverfront Plaza district.
• Opening Date: Scheduled for January 15, 2026, following a soft‑launch pop‑up series in late 2025.

Menu Highlights (Chef‑Curated)

• Hatch Green Chile Enchiladas – Rolled corn tortillas stuffed with locally sourced chicken, smothered in a vibrant green chile sauce.
• Red chile Beef Burrito – Slow‑braised beef, red chile gravy, black beans, and blue‑corn rice.
• Sopa de Posole – Traditional pork posole served with hominy, cilantro, and lime wedges.
• Street‑style Tacos – Options include carne asada, al pastor, and grilled cauliflower (vegetarian).
• Dessert: Blue Corn Panna Cotta with a drizzle of piñón nut caramel.

Drink Pairings

• New mexican Beer – Import of La Cerveza de los Chiles to complement spicy plates.
• Ciderhouse Collaboration – Seasonal dry cider infused with jalapeño for a refreshing finish.

Anticipated Impact on Waterville’s Dining Scene

• Flavor Diversity: Introduces new Mexican chile profiles,expanding the town’s palate options.
• Economic Boost: Projected creation of 15 full‑time and 10 part‑time jobs across kitchen, service, and management.
• Tourism Magnet: Expected to attract visitors from Portland,Bangor,and the Greater New England region seeking authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Supplier Network: Commitment to sourcing 75% locally (produce, dairy, meat), supporting regional farmers and artisans.

Practical Tips for First‑Time Visitors

1. Reserve Early: The grand opening weekend offers limited seating; book 2-3 weeks in advance.
2. Taste the Chili Levels: start with mild green chile dishes, then progress to the signature red chile for a true flavor journey.
3. Pair Wisely: ask the server for the recommended cider or New mexican beer to balance the heat.
4. Explore the Side Menu: Blue corn hush puppies and roasted corn salsa are perfect starters.
5. Check for Specials: Weekly “Chili of the Week” showcases seasonal variations from different New Mexico growers.

Real‑World Example: Success of Similar Concepts Nearby

• Santa Fe kitchen (Portland, ME) opened in 2022 and reported a 30% increase in downtown evening traffic within six months.
• Their focus on regional Mexican ingredients and partnership with local breweries led to a 4.8‑star rating on major review platforms.
• The model demonstrates that a well‑executed New Mexican concept can drive repeat visits and media coverage, benefits the new Waterville eatery aims to replicate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the menu suitable for vegetarians or vegans?

A: Yes.the eatery offers grilled cauliflower tacos, roasted vegetable enchiladas, and a vegan posole broth made with mushroom stock.

Q: Are ther gluten‑free options?

A: All corn‑based items are naturally gluten‑free; the kitchen maintains a dedicated prep area to avoid cross‑contamination.

Q: Does the restaurant accommodate large groups?

A: private dining rooms can host up to 20 guests, ideal for celebrations or business lunches.

Q: How does the eatery incorporate sustainability?

A: Compostable packaging for take‑out, water‑saving dishwashers, and a commitment to zero food waste thru daily donation to Waterville Food Bank.

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