Business & Tech

Rio Tequila Bar and Tex-Mex Cuisine Going Back to Basics

If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

Grayslake business owner Rudy Garza knew he was taking a risk when he changed his popular restaurant from Rudy's Mexican Grill to Rio's Tequila Bar and Tex-Mex Cuisine last September, but he can no longer deny the new, more expensive menu has not resonated with longtime customers.

"All my regulars stopped coming," said Garza, who is keeping the new name but bringing back all the menu favorites customers know him for.

Garza admits the fancier menu was too expensive for him, and for customers.

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"Everything was good, but customers told me it was too pricey," he said.

Though the old favorites are back, about 25 former dishes, Garza said he's planning to add some new Tex-Mex flavored items into the mix, so customers have more choices.

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Garza has also parted ways with chef Alvaro Chavez, a mutual decision, he said.

Today, Garza is burning the candle at both ends trying to get his customers to come back so he can keep the business open. The original Rudy's opened in Dec. 2005.

"I'm in the kitchen full-time," he said. "I don't want to close. I hope people come back."

Rio's, located at 55 N. Barron Blvd. (Route 83) is open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The restaurant is closed Sunday and Monday.

Garza said he's also working on a new Website. The restaurant can be reached at (847) 223-6176.

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